Famous classical works such as Antonio Vivaldi’s “Summer” out The four seasonsLudwig van Beethoven’s “Ode to joy” and Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Air on a G string” will soon be performed by The Scullery Quintet in Pretoria.
This performance is presented by Momentum Beleggings Aardklop Aubade at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) on 1 October.
The Scullery Quintet, an ensemble started in 2020 by Peter Auret, was nominated in the category of best classical performance at the Toyota US Woordfees in 2022. The music group’s debut album, Potluckwas also released earlier this year.
Auret tells RNews that The Scullery Quintet came about during the Covid-19 pandemic when there was little work.
“It wasn’t actually the plan from the beginning to do something formal. I did an adaptation in my studio and thought it could be a nice project. We tried something and then it worked.”
According to him, the group’s name has to do with the mix of music they perform. The ensemble’s repertoire consists of a combination of original arrangements of existing works by some of the world’s best composers.
It is also because of their non-traditional approach that led to the name.
Auret explains that there is traditionally a cello in a quintet, but they decided to replace this instrument with a double bass. Contemporary percussion by a drummer, such as the group includes, is not really a way of doing things in classical music either.
“A Scullery is by definition the sink where you can store all kinds of things like pots, pans and groceries. In terms of our music, it is also a mixture of things that are influenced by the musicians in the group’s different backgrounds.
“The name also has to do with the fact that we got together at my house during the lockdown and then often stood in my small kitchen and talked, made coffee, and shared ideas with each other.”
Auret has been awarded a Sama (South African Music Awards) on three occasions and is one of South Africa’s most sought-after jazz drummers. He regularly performs with Nataniël, the Charl du Plessis Trio and Ziza Muftic Quartet.
The other musicians in the quintet are Waldo Luc Alexander (violin), Hana Yim-Wahl (violin), Tiisetso Mashishi (violist) and Amaeshi Ikechi (double bass).
The Scullery Quintet’s program for Aardklop Aubade is composed of classical music and promises to be an intimate musical experience. “We are terribly excited about the concert and can’t wait to share our music with people.”
Aardklop Aubade is already established as a home for the promotion of South African classical music.
Tickets for the performance cost R190 and R150 and can be booked at Ticketpro. Send email to [email protected] for more information about the Aardklop Aubade concert series.
