The South African College of Music warmly invites staff to a commemorative concert honouring the life and legacy of Professor Emeritus James May (5 September 1939 – 15 September 2025).

Celebrating more than six decades of distinguished service as teacher, mentor, composer and leader, this tribute reflects Professor May’s deep loyalty to UCT, his unwavering generosity of spirit, and the profound influence he had on generations of students and colleagues.

The programme brings together an extraordinary line-up of artists in performances of some of Professor May’s own compositions, alongside works by composers he particularly admired, including Alban Berg, Arnold van Wyk, Hendrik Hofmeyr, Franz Schubert, Richard Wagner, Richard Strauss and Johannes Brahms.

Featured performers include:

  • Isaac van der Merwe, piano
  • Hendrik Hofmeyr, piano
  • Sandra Kettle & François du Toit, piano duo
  • Minette du Toit-Pearce, mezzo-soprano & Esthea Kruger, piano
  • Paulina Malefane, soprano & Esthea Kruger, piano
  • UCT String Quintet: Helen Liu, Emma Henshall, Bernadette Goemans, Tryve Nissen & Giorgia Ehlers

In honour of Professor May’s founding of the African Music programme and his instrumental role in bringing Dizu Plaatjies to the College, Dizu Plaatjies will offer a special contribution, showcasing the evocative sounds of the umrhubhe, uhadi and umtshingo.

 

Programme:

Isaac van der Merwe, piano
Alban Berg – Piano Sonata, Op. 1

Minette du Toit-Pearce, mezzo-soprano & Esthea Kruger, piano
James May – 2 Middel-Nederlandse Liedere

Sandra Kettle & François du Toit, piano
Arnold van Wyk – Three Improvisations on Dutch Folk Songs

UCT String Quintet
Franz Schubert – Adagio from String Quintet in C major, D. 956

Hendrik Hofmeyr, piano
Hendrik Hofmeyr – Passacaglia

Dizu Plaatjies, umrhubhe, uhadi, umtshingo
Wakrazulwa Church Hymn

21.30
Professor May Blues

Paulina Malefane, soprano & Esthea Kruger, piano
Richard Wagner – Träume (from Wesendonck Lieder)
Richard Strauss – Im Abendrot (from Vier Letzte Lieder)
Johannes Brahms – Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit (from Ein deutsches Requiem)

We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you as we celebrate a life devoted to music, scholarship and community.