At the beginning of June, Woody and I were invited to quite a unique event in Kariba – a classical music concert! It was the brain child of 2 local ladies. Beverly Bridger, who very kindly hosted the event, and Sue van Niekerk, who is an ex classical musical pianist herself.
The performers consisted of Sally and Jaap Kuiper on the piano, and John Kelly on the clarinet and saxophone. All 3 have been playing music since they were 8 years old.
Sally had an extremely memorable piano learning childhood – she used to ride her horse about 10km through the bush to get to Peterhouse to be taught by Denise Osbourne and John Hodgson. After attaining a Grade 8 at Arundel Senior school under the wonderful teachings of Margaret Raven, Sally’s final qualification was an A.R.C.M in London under the training of Ian Lake. Sally credits her beautiful playing to a variety of super teachers. After qualifying Sally turned to teaching, which she has been doing ever since.
Jaap came from a VERY different background, being born and raised in The Netherlands. He received
his training and qualifications through the Amstelveen Muziek School, before receiving lessons from Conservatory lecturers of piano, all the while studying for a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mathematics. Jaap has performed as soloist and accompanist in The Netherlands, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, and Botswana.
Upon meeting Sally, his wife-to-be, he managed to convince her that they should ‘play together’ and since then they have performed all over southern Africa, focusing on both four-hand as well as two piano works, and also accompanying choirs. In his ‘other life,’ Jaap is an education consultant advising ministries all over Africa.
John Kelly started his musical career like most children in Zimbabwe, on the humble recorder, but unlike other children his age – he took up piano at the same time. At the age of 13 he started on the clarinet – which he developed a passion for and concentrated on for the remainder of his school years. After a musical break of about 10 years, John became interested in music again after meeting and marrying a singer who was performing Schuberts beautiful “Shepherd on the Rock” at an Eisteddfod concert. It was also at this time that he took up the saxophone. John played clarinet for the Harare City Orchestra until it was dissolved in 2000, and has since performed in many shows at Reps Theatre, the Music Teachers Association and more recently with Harare Chamber Orchestra. When not playing professionally, you will find John traveling all over Zimbabwe tuning and repairing pianos.
Kariba residents were very privileged to be able to attend a concert showcasing such talented musicians. But not only was it a concert – Beverly, Sue, Sally, Jaap and John provided all 28 guests with a most delicious 3 course meal too! And the profits made from the meal were then donated to the Kariba Animal Welfare Fund Trust (KAWFT). What a special event – stunning surroundings, beautiful music, good friends and a tasty meal. It was such a huge success that everyone who attended has requested it be made at least an annual event – if not a bi-annual event. And luckily for us, Sue, Jaap and John have agreed!
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