Professor Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph, composer, and Kutlwano Masote, conductor, leading the South African premiere of the Oratorio for Human Rights.
Image: University of Johannesburg
The University of Johannesburg will host a weekend of classical music later this weekend, bringing together acclaimed performers and internationally recognised works in a programme aimed at inspiring reflection and connection.
Presented by UJ Arts & Culture, the event will feature the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra across two performances at the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre on March 20 and 22.
The opening performance, Some Enchanted Evening, will take audiences on what organisers describe as “an elegant and emotionally rich musical journey” through opera, operetta and musical theatre. Soprano Yolisa Ngwexana and baritone Federico Freschi will be joined by Steinway Artist and programme director Christopher Duigan.
“The programme has been designed as a varied and engaging musical gathering, rather like guests around a convivial dinner table on a warm summer evening. Each work brings its own character and mood, yet together they converse, complement and illuminate one another, creating a cohesive but constantly surprising listening experience,” says Duigan.
Professor Federico Freschi, baritone, and soprano Yolisa Ngwexana.
Image: Supplied
The programme includes a selection of well-known classical and theatrical pieces, ranging from Mozart and Lehár to Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as an extended duet from Verdi’s La Traviata.
The weekend will culminate in the South African premiere of Oratorio for Human Rights, composed by Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph. The performance will feature the UJ Choir and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of conductor Kutlwano Masote.
The work draws on the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and seeks to translate them into a powerful musical experience.
“When the call for scores came for an Oratorio for Human Rights, I immediately resonated with the theme as a South African woman,” says Zaidel-Rudolph.
According to organisers, the production also incorporates excerpts from the composer’s Youth Oratorio, adding a narrative layer that traces the journey from childhood to adolescence while reinforcing the universality of human rights and dignity.
The concerts form part of UJ’s broader commitment to artistic excellence and social engagement, with organisers saying the performances aim to offer audiences both high-quality music and an opportunity for reflection.
Professor Federico Freschi (Baritone)
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture at the University of Johannesburg.
Distinguished baritone with a celebrated performance career.
Known for blending scholarship, performance, and cultural leadership.
Christopher Duigan (Piano)
Steinway Artist, concert pianist, composer, and programme curator.
Programme director for Some Enchanted Evening, noted for accessible, engaging classical performances.
Performs on the UJ Steinway Concert Grand Piano, balancing technical mastery with warmth and narrative.
Yolisa Ngwexana (Soprano)
Rising star in South African classical music.
Semifinalist at the UNISA International Competition.
Recognised for technical brilliance, emotional resonance, and compelling stage presence.
Professor Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph (Composer)
First South African woman to earn a Doctorate in Music Composition.
Composed over 80 works spanning orchestral, choral, and solo repertoire.
Oratorio for Human Rights winner of the 2018 Global Women in Music competition.
Advocates for women’s rights and youth development; her music combines accessibility, emotional depth, and social consciousness.
Kutlwano Masote (Conductor)
Celebrated conductor and broadcaster.
Leads the UJ Choir and Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
Known for versatility, passion, and bringing choral and orchestral works to life with clarity and energy.
Bryan Schimmel (Pianist / Musical Director)
Over 35 years of experience as music director, arranger, and orchestrator across theatre, TV, recording, and live performance.
Former Wits School of Arts lecturer; studied under Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph.
Plays a key role in the Oratorio’s South African premiere.
UJ Choir
80-student choir from the University of Johannesburg, from diverse non-music academic backgrounds.
Excels in Western and African choral repertoire.
Known for artistic innovation, musical integrity, and numerous awards.
Tickets for both performances range from R150 to R200 and are available online.