Growing up, their three sons were constantly treated to beautiful classical music playing through the corridors of their Makhanda home, before they moved and settled in Gqeberha.
Professor Rupert Mayr and his wife, Erna, both played a significant role in the classical music scene in the Eastern Cape, and years after their death one of the couple’s sons, Richard Mayr, who is the only one of their children still living in South Africa, has decided to honour his parents’ dying wish.
“My parents had moved to Johannesburg in late 2021 to be with myself and my children, as family was the most important thing for both of them. Sadly they both passed in Johannesburg and I am bringing the ashes back to Gqeberha on April 13.
“Their wish was for their ashes to be placed in the Garden of Remembrance at the San Francesco Catholic Church in Springfield, Gqeberha. They were both devout Catholics and thus the memorial service,” Richard explained.
Austria-born, Rupert and Erna moved to South Africa in 1955, where he took up a lecturing position at Rhodes University. After many years of hard work and contribution to the institution’s music department Rupert obtained his doctorate and in 1970 became a joint professor of the department.
During this time, with Rupert being a great lover of choral music, he found an opportunity to train young students to grow the Rhodes Chamber Choir, resulting in the choir performing throughout South Africa, to packed audiences.
“My father was instrumental in developing the music department into two levels, one for the education of students to become teachers, the other to study musicology. He introduced the History and Appreciation of Music course which attracted students from all faculties. He also held the position of music advisor to the SABC for the Eastern Cape, as he had a passion for broadcasting,” Richard said.
He added that for many years Rupert also wrote and compiled programmes dealing with many different composers and their works; one such publication was Musicus.
As an accomplished pianist he performed in many concerts, and recitals with orchestras.
“He was highly regarded as one of the best pianists and accompanists in SA. He not only accompanied my mother, but also the likes of Jean Pierre Rampal, Norman Bailey, and Eva Tamassy.”
Prof, as he was affectionately known by friends and students, dedicated 32 years of his life to the upliftment of classical music, not only in the Eastern Cape, but also in South Africa as a whole. He was often asked to be a music examiner for many music competitions and would travel throughout the country, even scooping the Award of Recognition by the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Society.
Richard’s mother, Erna, a musical giant in her own right, was the youngest member of the Linz Cathedral Choir at the tender age of 15. She spent her early years as a teacher in Austria before she met Rupert. In 1995, after their marriage and move to South Africa, she joined the Rhodes Chamber Choir as a sopranist.
“She had lessons with Robert Selly and Mimi Coertse, where she perfected her singing skills. Mom sang at many recitals and was better known as a soloist sopranist singer, often being accompanied by dad, among others. Her favourite songs were typical Austrian folk songs which she sang with a rich and beautiful tone and superb musicality,” said Richard.
When Richard mentioned the memorial service for his parents to many of their past students, they all volunteered their services.
“As such we have amassed a 20-piece choir and 15-piece orchestra who will play at this beautiful memorial service,” he concluded.
The service will start at 11:00, and is open to all interested in attending. For catering purposes, email Richard at richardgmayr@gmail.com
