Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Music Department has launched a free virtual concert programme as an interim measure to maintain contact with the Endler’s audience, and to offer artists financial recourse after months of unemployment due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Endler Concert Series will be presented online once every two weeks from 23 August to December 2020.
“The whole reason [for the concert series] is to keep the Endler concert hall alive and keep in contact with our audiences,” said Fiona Grayer, artistic manager at SU’s Conservatorium.
According to Grayer, SU students, staff, alumni and other local artists participating in the online series were grateful for the opportunity to perform at the Endler again.
“In a time when there are so few performing opportunities, everyone who participated was really grateful to do so. It’s really an opportunity to showcase our talent and reach a wider audience,” said Grayer.
All performers are paid artist fees and donations are possible via SnapScan, Grayer said.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CD6e7sIA0Ir/?igshid=96yp7jualrof
Keeping audiences captivated
As part of the online concert series, the Endler hosted a Marian Lewin tribute performance on 23 August.
According to Peter Martens, director of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival and cellist for the Marian Lewin tribute performance, online performances are necessary for the survival of the music industry.
“We need to keep the audience captivated and interested in what we are doing and ensure there is still a support base for what we do once [the pandemic] is over,” said Martens.
Pictured are Suzanne Martens (back-right), Phillip Martens (centre), Karin Gaertner (back-left), Peter Martens (front-right) and Eddie Mclean (front-left) who performed in the Marian Lewin tribute. The performance will be available from 23 August until 30 August from 16:00 on Youtube and Vimeo.
‘Dire straits’
Social distancing and lockdown regulations have made it particularly difficult for orchestral groups to perform and make a living, according to Martens, who is also the principal cellist for The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
“Orchestras can’t get back together because you can only have so many people on one stage. So, financially, the industry is in dire straits,” said Martens.
The online concert series is an opportunity to watch local talent and be inspired by their music from the comfort of your home, said Jolandi Hanekom, a former music student at SU.
“You not only experience a variety of genres but you also see what the top talent can achieve on various instruments. They show you why you wanted to or might have started playing an instrument,” said Hanekom.