MET optredes deur musici wat kommentaar uitlok soos "fenomeen", die "Koor van die Wêreld" en "beste Suid-Afrikaanse pianis", beloof La Motte se komende klassiekekonsert-program weer eens 'n besonderse musiek-ervaring.

Die program vir die eerste helfte van 2003 begin Saterdag 8 Februarie, met werke van Beethoven, Schubert, Prokofiëf en Strauss.

Dit word uitgevoer deur die Russies gebore Amerikaanse violis, Mikhael Ovrutsky, wenner van die vioolafdeling van die 2002 UNISA Internasionale Strykerskompetisie.

Werke wat uitgevoer word, is Beethoven se Sonate no 7 in c mineur, opus 30, no 2, Schubert se Fantasie vir Viool en Klavier, Prokofiëf se Vyf Melodieë, opus 35 en Strauss se Sonate in E-mol Majeur, opus 18.

Al die konserte word in La Motte se historiese kelder met sy rustige atmosfeer en uitmuntende akoestiek aangebied.

By hulle aankoms word gaste met 'n glasie wyn verwelkom en na afloop van elke konsert kan hulle die kunstenaars ontmoet in die geselskap van heerlike La Motte-wyne en ligte versnaperings.

Konserte begin om 19:00 en toegang is R85 per persoon.

Besprekings kan by die proelo-kaal op La Motte gedoen word, of telefonies by 876-3114/9 (Comari).

DIE briljante Russiese broer en suster kombinasie, Mikhail en Sonja Ovrutsky, tree op Sondagaand 9 Februarie om 20:15 in die Goodnowsaal, Wellington op.

Hierdie duo is een van die opwindende opkomende geslag Russiese musici wat alreeds gesogte internasionale aansien geniet. Mikhail is ook die algehele wenner van die 2002 Unisa Internasionale Strykerskompetisie wat in Pretoria gehou is.

'n Rariteit van hierdie uitvoering (wat nie misgeloop moet word nie!) is dat Sonja haar broer gememoriseerd op die klavier begelei. Wat hierdie aspek so merkwaardig maak, is dat die begeleiding van die Sonate vir viool en klavier van Richard Strauss al as onspeelbaar bestempel is.

THE 'Time to Dazzle' Roadshow is an entertainment roadshow that will travel through 11 South African cities and comes to Paarl on Wednesday at midday. 

The shows will comprise of music, comedy and dance, along with appearances of sporting heroes from various sporting codes, who'll give a brief motivational address to the assembled crowds.

SA Breweries have provided the tour with their gig rig (renamed the Dazzle Mobile), on which all performances will take place.

On Monday the Dazzle Mobile will drive through town, playing music, informing people of the venue, performers and performance times. 

Tuesday morning people will get a final reminder of the fact that the roadshow is happening. 

Also, 45 minutes prior to the show, a parade will march through Paarl.

THE Spier Summer Arts Festival is right in the middle of its 'Giant Steps African Music Festival', which features South Africa's hottest music stars.

Tomorrow's programme will feature Selaelo Selota, supported by Umanji.

Experience the gentle rifts of this celebrated musician and walk with him through his musical Enchanted Garden: "a place I find myself when I am playing music, without holding back anything." Ticket prices: R40 & R80.

Saturday night will see Vusi Mahlasela, supported by Sasha on stage.

Nadine Gordimer says of Vusi, "He sings as a bird does; in total response to being alive." Do not miss this true South African troubadour. Ticket prices: R40 & R80. William Kentridge, Kevin Volans, The Handspring Puppet Company and Jane Taylor's Confessions of Zeno can be seen on Thursday, 6 February to Saturday, 8 February.

Conceived and directed by William Kentridge, this is a multi-media theatre piece that combines puppetry, live singing, theatre and text, a string quartet and video production.

Ticket prices: R45, R75, R120

"A Spirit of Place", a living art & craft expo, is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 until Saturday.

Bookings: Spier Central Reservations at 809-1177/78/79/49; Email Cindy Wilson at cindyw@spier.co.za or Computicket at 083-915-8000.