Heidemann says goodbye to Reea

Heidemann, a Parkhurst resident, quickly became a familiar face in the Craigpark community after taking up the post at the foundation two years ago.

Born and raised in Gescher, Germany, Heidemann came to South Africa 20 years ago.

“Music has always been my first love. I lived in a rural town, and when I started playing Bach and Mozart, I realised there must be more to life, that there’s a whole world out there,” he said.

Heidemann’s music studies grew to encompass the organ and voice, and while looking for a vocal coach, he met a South African woman who later invited him to South Africa.

“It was on that trip to South Africa that I met the woman who would become my wife,” he said.

Heidemann returned to Germany where he continued his music studies at Berlin’s Humbold University. But the call of the heart was too strong, and he returned to South Africa and completed his music studies at Wits University.

“I started working for Michael Hankinson, a conductor with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. I started my own music agency, and I did marketing and fundraising work for the orchestra. I then worked for the South African Chamber Orchestra, and an opera studio,” he said.

Heidemann found out about Reea after moving to Parkhurst, and while on a trip to Germany, had an idea for a partnership with the foundation. On his return, he approached the board and was soon asked to join them.

Heidemann said that among the highlights of his time at Reea was a benefit concert, getting the foundation involved with online charity resource Global Giving, and the introduction of a music class for residents.

Heidemann plans to return to music by dedicating more of his time to his business, and he is also in the process of setting up a non-governmental organisation that will focus on music and mathematics.

“My family and I will stay in Parkhurst. I love the village feel of the suburb. It reminds me of the town in which I grew up in,” he said.