Music lovers in Hermanus are in for a treat as Overstrand Arts/Kunste (OAK) prepares to host an extraordinary recital featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Rupert Marshall-Luck and double Sama-winning pianist Peter Cartwright on 12 April.

The duo will present Four by Two, an ambitious programme showcasing works by four diverse composers, which promises to take audiences on a thrilling journey through 20th-century musical expression. The concert will feature pieces by British composer Frederick Delius and South African composer Peter Klatzow, alongside captivating neo-classical works by Russian masters Stravinsky and Prokofiev.

Marshall-Luck, praised by BBC Music Magazine for his “handsome tone and laser-like tuning”, has established himself as a formidable presence on the international stage. The British violinist regularly performs at major festivals and venues worldwide, earning critical acclaim from prestigious publications including Gramophone, The Strad and MusicWeb International.

His concert partner, Peter Cartwright, brings impressive South African credentials to the collaboration. The pianist’s recent album African Bird with flautist Khanyisile Mthetwa swept the 2022 South African Music Awards, taking prizes for Best Classical/Instrumental Album and Best Newcomer home.

He has made South African music a cornerstone of his repertoire, championing works by composers including Andile Khumalo, Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph, and Carlo Mombelli.

The programme itself tells a fascinating story of cultural diversity and musical evolution. Audiences will experience the gentle, elusive beauty of Delius’ “Third Sonata”, which captures the essence of the English countryside while incorporating jazz influences from the composer’s time in Florida. This will be contrasted with Peter Klatzow’s bold and evocative “Sonata”, which brings distinctly South African soundscapes into dialogue with Western classical traditions.

The Russian contribution comes through Stravinsky’s elegant Suite Italienne, showcasing neo-baroque sophistication, and Prokofiev’s “D major Sonata”, which delivers both rhapsodic lyricism and driving intensity.

The Hermanus recital forms part of an extensive South African tour that will see the duo performing at prestigious venues across the Eastern and Western Cape, including Stellenbosch University’s Endler Prestige Concerts Series and several Johannesburg organisations.

In May they will take their collaboration to the UK for the internationally recognised English Music Festival.

“I am looking forward immensely to this concert for Overstrand Arts in the spectacular Western Cape,” said Marshall-Luck.

“South Africa is a country I always very much enjoy visiting, and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to present such a wonderful programme of music in such a beautiful setting.”

The recital will take place at the Hermanus Civic Auditorium at 15:30. Tickets are priced at R250 and can be purchased by contacting secretary René du Plooy on 082 940 4238 or via email at renedup@telkomsa.net.