VINICHORAL AT GROOT CONSTANTIA
A PAIRING OF WINE AND CHORAL SONG
“It was such an imaginative concept and worked so beautifully – an innovative combination of sound, sense and sensitivity, perfectly blended like the wonderful wines.”
“The singing was exceptional and the whole presentation most unusual and enjoyable.”
“I really enjoyed the evening. A perfect way to showcase VOX’s talent in an informal and fun setting. Congratulations on the CD. I have been listening all day and enjoying the music immensely.”
Conversation between Rodney Trudgeon and John Woodland on Fine Music Radio's "Cape Diary" 28.07.2017
VOX Cape Town presented “ViniChoral”, the first event of its kind, in August 2017. The evening comprised an exclusive pairing of wine and choral music in collaboration with Groot Constantia, the oldest wine-producing estate in South Africa.
Beautiful choral music spanning the 16th to the 21st centuries was presented to over a hundred appreciators of fine wine and fine music in the cosy, candlelit atmosphere of The Tasting Cellar at Groot Constantia. Seven of the estate’s renowned wines, ranging from the Cap Classique to the famous Grand Constance described in novels by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, were introduced by wine specialist Kyle George.
Madrigals, folk songs and contemporary music by Tallis, Rachmaninoff, Gjeilo and Górecki, amongst others, were introduced in inimitable style by Rodney Trudgeon from Fine Music Radio. He explained why a gentle love song by Eric Whitacre was chosen to accompany the buttery texture of the Chardonnay and why the “spicy” notes of the Shiraz were placed alongside exotic music from Norway and Finland.
Finally, VOX Cape Town also celebrated the launch of its first album, Trust the Silences. The album features several local guest artists alongside the singers of VOX, who together blur the boundaries between classical and contemporary music.
INTRODUCING RODNEY TRUDGEON: VINICHORAL HOST
Rodney Trudgeon is a name synonymous with classical music broadcasting in South Africa. In a radio career spanning some 40 years, Rodney Trudgeon has sought to make classical music more accessible and more entertaining to the diverse cultures that make up South Africa’s population.
After a short spell as a freelance flautist in the Durban Symphony Orchestra, Rodney joined the national broadcaster, SABC, as a presenter of news, current affairs, documentaries and feature interviews. He was editor of a major weekly magazine programme but his passion for music soon meant that he was more in demand as a classical music presenter, producer and interviewer.
He became the voice of the weekly live broadcasts of symphony concerts in Johannesburg and has interviewed international artists of the calibre of Joshua Bell, Nigel Kennedy, Yehudi Menuhin, Bernard Haitink, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Julian Lloyd-Webber, Sir Neville Marriner and John Rutter as well as most of the major artists in South Africa. As one of Classic FM’s most popular daily presenters, Rodney continues to share his knowledge and passion for music with a diverse audience.
For the past 12 years, Rodney has been the Breakfast Show host and Programme Manager of Fine Music Radio in Cape Town. Recently, the concept of live broadcasts of symphony concerts was re-introduced on FMR and once again, Rodney has found himself as the presenter of these exciting broadcasts.
Away from the microphone, Rodney Trudgeon is in great and continual demand as a speaker and lecturer on the subject of classical music appreciation. He particularly enjoys working with people and his talks have gone a long way in demystifying classical music while being light-hearted, accessible and entertaining. His pre-concert talks are hugely popular and he has led many music tours on ocean liners and luxury river boats to Europe and the Far East.