Buks Gericke excelled as the flirtatious Barber of Seville, his rich baritone voice highly suited to sing "Largo Al Factotum" with all the right intonations.
In the duet with his sister, mezzo soprano Elisabeth Potgieter, "Brüderlein und Schwesterlein" from Die Fledermaus an impressive performance was given which must have made their mother "Tannie Greta" Gericke, justifiably proud. Elisabeth's lovely voice was rock steady while soprano Maggie Bodenstein charmed the audience with Mozart's "Deh!, Vieni, non tardar" from Le Nozze di Figaro.
Local conductor Jan-Eric Swart revealed yet another talent - this time as tenor. He is the latest addition to the Ensemble and was roped in at short notice, so it is to his absolute credit that he harmonised so beautifully with the other voices to reach a crescendo in "Libiamo ne' Lieti Calici" in Verdi's La Traviata. A cheerful culmination to the evening was the ever popular classical by Luigi Denza, "Funiculi Finicula".
The producer of the Classical Thursdays series, Dr Ronell van Aswegen is pleased with the wonderful standard of local productions thus far enjoyed at the Fancourt ball room. The series ends in March next year but many people are already trying to twist her arm to continue with the marvellous showcasing of local talent.
The shows are open to the public, and the next one will be on 9 January with the theme "Ebony and Ivory" with the world acclaimed Redfern-Pauna Piano Duo.
Thursday's A celebration of passion by the Appassionata Ensemble was well received by the audience. From left is Drini Botha (pianist), Maggie Bodenstein (soprano), Buks Gericke (baritone), Elisabeth Potgieter (mezzo soprano) and Jan-Erik Swart (tenor). Photos: Pauline Lourens
'We bring you the latest George | Garden Route news'
