GEORGE NEWS - It was an all-consuming love of music that brought pianist Elsabe Barkhuizen and her soul mate Norman Carless, director of Carpe Musicam! Orchestra, together.
And though Norman is not one to elaborate on this match made in musical heaven, he does admit that the thorny path leading to their fortuitous union should have been much shorter.
Elsabe and Norman founded the orchestra in July 2015. Being manager of the orchestra further expands Elsabe's already considerable role of playing the piano, harpsichord and organ.
As master arranger and orchestrator, Norman is responsible for writing individual musical scores for each of the 30 members of the orchestra.
At each of the 13 concerts given this year he revealed his versatility by playing trumpet, cornet, flute, recorder and French horn.
But apart from pouring all their creative energies into the orchestra, the two are known as a duo that play at all events. 'Elsanor Music' is the unique musical partnership that sees them playing 8 musical instruments.
Between them they have over 60 years' experience of professional musical performances. Elsabe is a sought-after church organist, pianist and harpsichordist - and has been playing professionally since the age of 12.
The orchestra spends 21 hours rehearsing before every concert - quite an achievement for volunteers and part-time musicians who still have a day job.
Norman had a long and successful career in South African military bands and orchestras and was bandmaster of the South African Navy Band before his retirement in 2003.
Relaxed
Here in George his audience has come to know him for his dry sense of humour and his habit of sharing an anecdote about the composer before each performance.
The couple are only too aware that by playing popular classic and well-known themes from movies they are more likely to broaden the appeal of the orchestra to the ordinary man in the street.
Simple tunes
While Elsabe loves simple tunes, Norman is fond of elaborate and complicated classical music - but jointly they are keeping their audience in mind when working on their next concert.
They are thrilled to have a choir that currently has 42 members.
"Over two thousand seats have been filled at our concerts and more than a dozen people's lives have been touched by our Music Skills Development Project. Not a bad year for a group of musos who make music for fun and enjoyment," says Carless.
Make a note of the last show of this year, Angels All Around - a Celebration of Christmas music, to be held in conjunction with the Eden Lions Club on Saturday 16 December at the Outeniqua Transport Museum in George.
ARTICLE & PHOTO: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
