In aid of Stellenbosch Child Welfare, Delheim presents Ariel Ramírez’ MISA CRIOLLA performed by THE SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH CHOIR conducted by André van der Merwe and featuring Minette du Toit-Pearce (mezzo-soprano).

 In 1964, Argentine composer Ariel Ramírez’ monumental Misa Criolla marked the beginning of a period of high musical productivity for the composer. The Misa Criolla was an early non-Latin Mass.   The Washington Post described Misa Criolla as “a stunning artistic achievement, combining Spanish text with indigenous instruments and rhythms”. It led to album sales numbering in the millions internationally. Ramírez once told The Jerusalem Post how Misa Criolla was inspired by a visit to Germany after World War II. He had an encounter with a group of nuns, which led him to consider writing “a spiritual piece”. This would eventually become the Misa Criolla.

 The Misa, a mass for either male or female soloists, chorus and orchestra, is based on folk genres such as chacarera, carnavalito and estilo pampeano, with Andrean influences and instruments.  Through the years recordings have been made with famous soloists such as George Dalaras (1989), José Carreras (1990), and Mercedes Sosa (1999). Plácido Domingo recorded the Kyrie (i.e. the first movement of the Misa) with Dominic Miller on guitar in 2003. 

 Now, the vibrant and exciting South African Youth Choir will join forces with mezzo-soprano Minette du Toit-Pearce for one performance only at 19h30 on the evening of 22 July 2011 in the atmospheric cellar at the historical Delheim wine farm near Stellenbosch as the opening act of the annual Stellenbosch Wine Festival.

 The choir, conducted by internationally acclaimed, highly innovative conductor André van der Merwe with Elzeth Germishuys as accompanist, is truly going from strength to strength. Not only did they grace last year’s Huisgenoot Skouspel stages, both at GrandWest and Sun City, with their contagious energy and excellent musicianship, but they also received two SAMA nominations and performed at the 2010 Die Burger Pops. They also performed at Tuynhuis recently at an event attended by President Jacob Zuma and other prominent dignitaries.

Du Toit-Pearce is a full time singing lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch. She is a much celebrated mezzo-soprano who has won many awards, including the ATKV Muzique competition in 2006 where she was declared the overall winner. She completed her Unisa Performers Licentiate cum laude and was placed on their roll of honours. Percussion instruments will be played by choir members.

Tickets for the performance are R280pp, with all proceeds going to Stellenbosch Child Welfare. Bookings essetial at delheim@delheim.com or phone 021 888 4600.

Categories: DELHEIM

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