The University of Johannesburg held a musical extravaganza in aid of a much-needed bursary programme.
Beautiful classical opera mixed with traditional overtones filled the UJ Arts Centre for a grand night of singing. The Dean’s Concert brought together both distinguished musicians and rising stars.
The bursary programme was established by Prof. Federico Freschi, the executive dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, in aid of academically deserving but financially needy students.
Freschi is also an accomplished baritone, who dazzled the audience on the night with his vocal range from bass to tenor, and was joined on stage by renowned pianist Christopher Duigan
Duigan has developed a national following through his innovative presentation and programming.
Cape Town-based soprano Noluvuyiso Mpofu, a rising star on the international opera scene, joined clarinettist Junnan Sun and the award-winning UJ Choir in a heartfelt performance.
One of South Africa’s most promising sopranos, Mpofu has been making a name for herself. Her stunning voice left the UJ Arts Centre audience in awe.
In 2015, she came third in the prestigious international Operalia competition hosted by famous tenor Plácido Domingo in London, and last year she won the audience prize at the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition in Jurmala, Latvia.
What was more inspiring was that the concert was completely free. Audience members were only encouraged to make a donation to the Dean’s Bursary Fund in support of deserving students in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.
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