10 Mar 2010 The Oude Libertas Amphitheatre in Stellenbosch never ceases to amaze, with creative and vibrant new productions. From 18-20 March this year, in collaboration with the Rupert Music Foundation, Oude Libertas will produce an a capella version of Handel’s much-loved Messiah. Media Manager for the Oude Libertas Heinrich von Wielligh reports on this mammoth undertaking, a first for South Africa.

The initial idea came to Bondina Osterhoff, Theatre Director at Oude Libertas. ‘I thought that such a production might work. My 20 years as an a capella singer for the group Cutt Glas, has given me the freedom to experiment with vocals, undisturbed by outside
influences or sounds. Our voice is the most natural instrument,’ remarks Osterhoff.

She took the idea to her predecessor at the Oude Libertas, Karen Meiring, who is currently head of Afrikaans channels for M-Net. Meiring also thought the idea could work and pointed her in the direction of well-known musical director, Janine Neethling. After much deliberation and careful planning, it was decided that the two of them would take up the challenge. ‘The Oude Libertas Amphitheatre, with its history and memories of more than 30 years, is the perfect setting for this production. We aim to create at least two new  productions every year,’ says Osterhoff. Messiah was composed in London during the summer of 1741 by the German-English Baroque composer George Frideric Handel (German: Georg Friedrich Händel) and is considered to be one of the greatest works in the history of music. Born on 23 February 1685, Handel grew up in Germany. He was later trained in Italy and eventually settled in England towards the latter half of 1712. He died on 14 April 1759. Therefore this production also serves as a commemoration of Handel’s death 250 years ago. The team is lead by musical director Janine Neethling and consists of an 80-member choir, a vocal orchestral ensemble, four
soloists, and a conductor, totaling an on-stage presence at any given time during the 75-minute performance of just under 100 people.
The challenge of assisting Janine with the arrangements was taken up by Mariëtte Labuschagne, Anneke Visagie, Jaconel Mouton.
Messiah: A Capella will feature soloists such as soprano Zanne Stapelberg, mezzo/alto Minette du Toit-Pierce, tenor Siyabonga Maqunga and baritone Jaco Klopper. The vocal orchestral ensemble’s key voices are Malie Kelly, Heidi Edeling, Anneke Visagie and
Mariëtte Labuschagne, with percussion by David Klassen. The choir consists of a collaboration between members from the Tygerberg
Camerata and the Schola Cantorum, conducted by Rudolf de Beer.

The passion, time, effort and creative energy will be clearly visible to the audience. If you have heard Messiah on a previous occasion, rest assured that you have never heard it like this. Don’t hesitate to book your tickets for this historic event. All bookings can be made at Computicket or by phoning the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre on 021 809 7380. For more information visit www.oudelibertas.co.za.