Jan and Clara Hugo: French and Italian Art Song Recital

Romance, heartbreak, yearning, joy – the potent mix of some of the most wonderful French and Italian art song presented with depth, intensity and sincerity. These artists are among the best in South Africa in their individual disciplines, and as a duo their performances are formidable and unforgettable. Jan and Clara succeed in offering serious musical performances that are still accessible, due to the direct impact of the beauty of the music and their expression of it.

They both have a very deep understanding of the music they perform, and their interaction as a duo is fresh and spontaneous, while honed to precision by discipline and a complete understanding of each other as performers.

Jan is extraordinarily relaxed at the keyboard, with a stillness about him that makes the intensity of his playing even more striking. He brings the piano fully to life as a singing voice in itself, blending it exquisitely with the nuance of Clara's voice. Clara, a soprano with a large vocal range, brings the added quality of being a native French and Italian speaker. Her deep affinity with the tone and texture of the text is audible in every word and phrase.

As a husband and wife duo, Jan and Clara Hugo could also be considered a power couple! They can both boast of Masters' Degrees from the Sorbonne in Paris amongst other impressive performance and academic achievements. Clara has performed with major European orchestra's, such as the Paris Symphony Orchestra and Choir.

Jan has won numerous high level competitions and performed at the Salle Gaveau in Paris and the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, to mention a few. His full-time role at Cape Town Opera includes Musical Director of major productions such as Barber of Seville, while Clara performs in a multiple range of vocal positions from Opera to Art Song, coaching and Master Classes.

A performance by Jan and Clara is a significant musical experience. This recital on the 6th of December is enhanced by the unique setting and ambience of the showroom and workshop of Ian Burgess-Simpson Pianos. Guests are invited to have refreshments in the workshop surrounded by the fascinating visuals of multiple, major piano restorations in process.

Ian is on hand to talk about the instrument itself from the perspective of his advanced training with three of the world's greatest manufacturers: Fazioli, Steinway and Shigeru Kawai.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date & Time: Saturday 6th December at 19:00 (arrival from 18:30).

Tickets: R250pp incl. complimentary wine and light snacks.

Parking: Safe, on-street parking with parking assistants.

Address: Ian Burgess-Simpson Pianos, 19 Stibitz Street, Westlake (adjacent to Constantia).

Seating: 60 guests, unreserved seating.

Piano: Fazioli concert grand