The vibrant fusion of German and South African jazz takes centre stage at the renowned Endler Hall tonight (Friday 1 March) at 19:00 in the Endler Concert Series. Renowned German bassist Martin Zenker spearheads the extraordinary concert, showcasing a talented ensemble of musicians from both Germany and South Africa.
German bassist Martin Zenker frequently travels to Mongolia, Munich, Rio de Janeiro and Stellenbosch. In the concert, Jazz Chronicles of a German in Cape Town, he features musicians from Germany and South Africa who have taken part in an exciting new exchange programme between the Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Department of Music and the University of Music and Theatre in Munich (HMT).
Expressing his excitement, Zenker says: “I have been visiting the Stellenbosch Conservatorium for many years, and I am now particularly honoured and thrilled for the opportunity to present some of my favourite music and a selection of my own tunes with some of my favourite musicians in definitely one of my favourite venues.”
Joining Zenker on stage are an eclectic group of musicians: Ramon Alexander (piano), Sima Mashazi (vocals), Nathaniel Gates (trombone), Annemie Nel (drums), Andreas Kissenbeck (piano), and Pascal Haas (drums). This dynamic ensemble promises an evening of high-octane jazz, bridging two diverse cultures through a very personal lens.
Pivotal in establishing the new Erasmus exchange programme between the SU Department of Music and Munich University, Zenker brings a wealth of international experience. Gates, the first student selected for the programme, recently returned from a guest semester at the HMT.
“I have been part of the jazz department for approximately three years now,” he said. “I have been playing in some of Zenker’s combos for the past three years, which also got me an opportunity to go to Germany recently for an exchange programme for jazz trombone under the direction of Alistair Duncan. I am so excited to share the stage with my mentors and teachers, and share what I have learnt so far from them.”
As these words of anticipation and gratitude echo, Jazz Chronicles of a German in Cape Town promises to be a night of boundless musical exploration.
Tickets, at R165 (full), R125 (pensioners) and R60 (students), can be booked online through Webtickets. For more information, send an email to concerts@sun.ac.za or call 021 808 2358. Alternatively visit www.endler.sun.ac.za.
