After an absence of four years, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA), is excited to present A Grand Night for Singing, a glamorous and inspirational musical celebration led by FADA’s Executive Dean, Professor Federico Freschi. This annual event will take place on Saturday, 2 November 2024 at the UJ Arts Centre.
A Grand Night for Singing is a gala fundraiser for the Dean’s Bursary Fund, established by Professor Freschi to provide financial assistance to academically deserving students in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) who face financial hardship.
“The Dean’s Bursary Fund is my commitment to providing deserving students with the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the creative industries,” says Professor Freschi. “We have a responsibility to nurture talent and ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of academic potential. A Grand Night for Singing is not just a celebration of the best vocal music, but a celebration of the futures we are helping to shape.”
Joining the musical celebration is the award-winning UJ Choir under the baton of newly appointed Senior Choirmaster Sizwe Mondlane. With their rich harmonies and vibrant stage presence, the UJ Choir perform their signature repertoire that moves seamlessly from African to Western choral music, as well as joining the soloists in a rousing rendition of Verdi’s timeless Slave’s Chorus from Nabucco. As always, their performance promises an unforgettable night, showcasing not only their talent but also the resilience, passion and excellence that defines UJ students.
In addition to the UJ Choir, the Dean’s Concert will showcase a stellar lineup of both emerging and established vocal talents, including sopranos Khayakazi Madlalala – who in 2025 makes her debut with Covent Garden Opera – and Sisikelelwe Mngenela, who was recently awarded first prize in the Victor K Bennett Music competition. They will be joined by tenor Siyabonga Motloung who recently sang the role of Simon Nkoli in Philip Miller’s Vogue Opera and will be accompanied by the Johannesburg-based pianist Eugene Joubert. Renowned concert pianist, Christopher Duigan, who has previously graced the UJ stage, will also be a part of the celebration to join Professor Freschi, who is an accomplished operatic baritone, in a special performance. These talented musicians, each bringing their unique gifts and artistic expression, will deliver captivating performances that perfectly complement the choral works.
Alongside the musical celebration, a silent auction of artworks will be held. Patrons are invited to bid on these unique pieces, which will be displayed at the event and viewable on the
Silent Fundraising Auctions website and app. The auction features works donated by artists including William Kentridge, Balekane Legoabe, Farieda Nazier, Gordon Froud, and Dr. Foodz Halal.
All proceeds will go directly to the Dean’s Bursary Fund, which provides financial assistance to academically deserving students facing financial challenges within the Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture (FADA).
