#LazySundayRead: The music goes on despite Covid
For the performance, Christiaan sang six songs about the Spanish legend of Don Quixote, or Don Quichotte in French
It was just over half a year ago that opera singer Christiaan Snyman stood to perform for members of the ABC Ladies Club of Bedfordview at the Mercure Hotel in Bedfordview.
Christiaan is a well-travelled and seasoned performer who has performed in great operas throughout the world; however, on this particular occasion, he performed Christmas carols for the close-knit community group.
He is one of many musicians who have been affected by the unanticipated turn of world events in recent months.
As others in the industry, he has had to adapt to make a living, and embrace the phenomenon of livestream concerts, which are popping up across social media, in response to restrictions resulting from the pandemic.
Last week, Christiaan performed with Kerryn Wisniewski (pianist) and Nataly Bentley (cellist) in a spellbinding performance for South African audiences.The 20-minute concert formed part of the 20/20 entertainment series, where 20 artists performed 20-minute concerts each week for 20 weeks.
For the performance, Christiaan sang six songs about the Spanish legend of Don Quixote, or Don Quichotte in French.
The music accompanied images of Christiaan’s artwork, including his paintings and pottery work.Christiaan said the unexpected pandemic had created numerous challenges for musicians.
“The greatest challenge for us was the cancellation of all concerts and bookings for 2020. Even after the harsh restrictions will be lifted, I think most people will not want to venture out to go to live concerts.”
He said the impact of Covid-19 had affected all musicians.
“Most musicians I know have to teach online to generate any form of income.”
Christiaan initially believed Covid-19 would not have too much of an effect on South Africans, and the world as a whole.
“Initially, I worked a lot on an upcoming Mozart role at home, but when that was cancelled, I found myself feeling fairly disillusioned and in a slump. This was difficult to get around.”He said he became lazy at first and started practising bread baking, perfecting his lemon curd and homemade marshmallow recipes.
“Needless to say, I picked up some weight, so I started running again. I think opera theatres and orchestras worldwide have felt the impact of Covid-19 quite severely. Many online concerts have popped up all over. What I like about this concept is that anyone now has access to the online concerts, including my friends in Germany and other places.
“Despite the challenges of the past year, Christiaan said he believed he had gained some insight from the experience of living through a pandemic. I have had more time to reflect on the spiritual value of life and the things we normally take for granted,” he said.
“Covid-19 and its effects has also made me question my dreams and the importance I place on singing, and the direction I need to go. I have had time to spend with my parents, and time to brush up on my studies.”
Performing through ‘virtual theatre’ is something which Christiaan believes artists will have to adapt to.While this definitely involves a new way of thinking and is peppered with numerous challenges, Christiaan said he has loved singing his entire life and isn’t about to give this up, despite the new terrain musicians are having to navigate as a result of the pandemic.
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