ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - The George Music Society ends its concert calendar for the year on a high note with a performance by the pianist Marlene Vlok at the NG Mother Church at 15:30 on Sunday 7 December.

For her George recital, Vlok presents a compelling programme: JS Bach's Toccata in E Minor, Beethoven's Sonata in E Major Op. 109, Liszt's shimmering nocturne "Les cloches de Genève", Arnold van Wyk's evocative "Ricordanza" and Ginastera's fiery Danzas Argentinas.

Born and raised in Oudtshoorn, Vlok began piano lessons at the age of eight. Her early promise led her to the University of Stellen-bosch, where she completed her BMus under Nina Schumann and Luis Magalhães, while also studying composition with Antoni Schonken and Arthur Feder.

Masterclasses with acclaimed international pianists, including Cleveland International Piano Competition laureates Roberto Plano and Yaron Kohlberg, further shaped her style. Vlok completed her postgraduate studies in 2024 at the University of Cape Town under Dr Esthea Kruger.

She had the opportunity to perform at the Stellenbosch International Piano Symposium, the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival, the Ibiza International Piano Competition and most recently, the Klein Karoo Klassique.

She was named the runner-up in the prestigious Johann Vos National Music Competition earlier this year. Although accepted for a master's degree at the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana in Lugano, financial constraints have delayed her start, but she hopes to pursue these studies in 2026.

Tickets for her performance in George are available at www.georgemusicsociety.co.za or at the door: R120 for members, R170 for the public and R50 for children. - Compiled by Michelle Pienaar

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