People of Note

The annual Cape Town Baroque Festival has just opened and will run through to 27 September at various venues. The festival director is ERIK DIPPENAAR, a distinguished organist and conductor who is recognised internationally and who is the recipient of a number of major awards. Rodney Trudgeon spoke to Erik on People of Note. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP and the Rocky Horror Show continues its packed out run at Theatre on the Bay.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is the British politician The Rt Honourable Lord Peter Hain, who grew up In Apartheid South Africa and went into exile in the UK with his parents in the 1960s. Lord Hain was responsible for the cancellation of whites only sports tour to the UK, which did not endear him to South Africans. He joined the Labour Party in Britain and was then appointed to the House of Lords. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP. And the Rocky Horror Show continues to draw the audiences at Theatre on the Bay.

It’s incredible to think that Richard Loring, the actor, singer, dancer and tv personality turns 90 early next year. Rodney Trudgeon invited Richard into the People of Note studio to discuss this milestone and to talk about his 60 years in showbiz. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP. The Rocky Horror Show is enjoying a packed run at Theatre on the Bay.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is the conductor Daniel Raiskin who is in Cape Town to conduct three concerts with the Cape Town Philharmonic this season. Maestro Raiskin was born in St Petersburg and, with his wide repertoire, has travelled extensively both as music director and guest conductor. People of Note, Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP and the Rocky Horror Show has returned to Theatre on the Bay.

Cape Town Philharmonic soloist Leo Gevisser is back home this August to perform Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major. A Juilliard graduate and Young Steinway Artist, Leo has a busy year ahead. Leo is my guest on People of Note this week. People of Note – Sunday at 6 pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by Pieter Toerien Productions. The Rocky Horror Show returns to Theatre on the Bay on 28 August.

Three South African musicians with flourishing international careers have formed the chamber music group, the Jeffrey Armstrong Trio. The good news is that they will be performing at various venues in the Western Cape this August. The distinguished violinist Jeffrey Armstrong is Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week. Based in Germany, Jeffrey regularly performs in some of Europe’s leading concert halls. People of Note – Sunday at 6 pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by Pieter Toerien Productions . The Rocky Horror Show returns to @Theatre On The Bay on 28 August.

Pieter Toerien’s hugely successful production of The Rocky Horror Show is returning to The Theatre on the Bay after it’s massively successful run in Johannesburg. The show stars Craig Urbani as Frank n further and has been directed by Stephen Stead. In the role of the narrator, a traditional male role, is Natasha Sutherland and Rodney Trudgeon invited her into the People of Note studio to talk about the challenges the character has to face during the show. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP

In a career spanning over 50 years, Aviva Pelham has enchanted audiences, brightened stages and spread the love of song in South Africa and abroad. Aviva’s passion for mentorship and inspiring young talent is legendary. The fifth Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition is on Tuesday, 18 August, at the Baxter. On People of Note this week, Rodney speaks to Aviva Pelham about her remarkable career. People of Note, Sunday at 6 pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP. And Agatha Christie’s thriller The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is on at Theatre on the Bay.

Cape Town Opera has recently appointed a Librettist-in-Residence to help their new project called Staging Stories, an incubator for new South African Opera. ALAN OLEJNICZAK is based in San Francisco, although he has numerous Artist in Residence around the world. On People of Note this week, Rodney Trudgeon spoke to Alan about his work. People of Note, Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP. And Agatha Christie’s thriller The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is on at Theatre on the Bay.

In People of Note this week, a look behind the scenes at a theatre, where so much magic happens. Rodney Trudgeon’s guest will be set designer DENIS HUTCHINSON who has worked on shows ranging from experimental theatre via contemporary dance and musicals to ballet and opera. He’s also worked on South African productions in New York, Senegal, Uganda and Tanzania. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP. Agatha Christie’s thriller The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is on at Theatre on the Bay.

A fun musical has just opened at the Arena theatre called Something Rotten and it is being presented by the Waterfront Theatre School. In People of Note this week, Rodney Trudgeon spoke to the founder and director of the Waterfront Theatre School, Delia Sainsbury who founded it with her husband Keith Galloway 34 years agao. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP. And Agatha Christie’s thrilling play The Murder of Roger Ackroyd opens at Theatre on the Bay this week.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is the young, dynamic violinist Miclen LaiPang who has established himself as one of the most compelling and versatile artists of his generation. He stunned Cape Town audiences recently with his performance of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto and he is now playing at the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP. And A Little Night Music is on at Theatre on the Bay.

G&S Cape Town is presenting one of the most loved comic operas by Gilbert and Sullivan, The Pirates of Penzance. The production promises to be not only great fun but also beautifully and originally staged. Rodney Trudgeon spoke to the Music Director and Conductor of G%S, Alistair Cockburn about the opera. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP. Killer Queen is in its final week at Theatre on the Bay.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is the newly appointed chairperson of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra – Lucien Lewin. A former trombonist with the orchestra, he went on to build a distinguished legal career, now bringing both musical and legal insight to this new role. People of Note with Lucien Lewin on Sunday at 6 pm and again on Thursday at midday, is brought to you by Pieter Toerien Productions.

The award winning musical by Stephen Sondheim, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC opens on 30 June at Theatre on The Bay. It involves a world of seduction, wit and aching romance and the all start cast includes Kate Normington as Countess Charlotte Malcolm. Rodney Trudgeon invited Kate into the People of Note studio to talk about this fascinating play. People of Note, Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP and Killer Queen continues its run at Theatre on the Bay.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is the editor of TGI Food, the Daily Maverick’s popular food platform TONY JACKMAN. Tony has won a number of awards for his writing and he has also written plays and books and his latest is called Retro Karoo Food. He has been in journalism for some 50 years with food writing his main foucus. People of Note with Tony Jackman. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP and Killer Queen, a LAMTA production is on at Theatre on the Bay.

Recently, you would have heard us talking about a concert in Stellenbosch with the Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra. This exciting, relatively new venture is the brain child of Reghardt Kuhn, who is also the orchestra’s conductor. I spoke to him about the orchestra, its members and its repertoire and the challenges these enthusiastic amateurs of all ages have to face in an orchestra. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at 6pm, brought to you by PTP and then Stephen Sondheim's "A Little Night Music" is on at Theatre On The Bay from 30 June to 12 July.

Cape Town City Ballet is presenting "Orpheus in the Underworld", based on Offenbach’s music and choreographed by Veronica Paeper. On People of Note this week, Rodney Trudgeon spoke to Tracy Li, the Artistic Manager at CTCB, about the production and about her career in ballet

An interesting new play has just opened at the Arena Theatre. It was written by Louis Viljoen and is called The Killing of a Union Leader, described as a gripping political thriller, the plays stars, among others, John Maytham, well known as a broadcaster here in Cape Town. Rodney Trudgeon invited John into the People of Note studio to talk about the play. People of Note – Sunday 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP. And the production of Rocky Horror Show is running to packed houses at The Theatre on the Bay.

Artscape is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year and one of the highlights for this celebration is a production of Bizet’s hugely popular Opera CARMEN with a star cast, Cape Town Oper and the Cape Town Philharmonic. The conductor will be the British conductor TIM MURRAY who has a growing reputation as a conductor of opera, ballet and contemporary repertoire. Rodney Trudgeon spoke to him about his career and his approach to Carmen. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP and the Rocky Horror Show continues its packed run at the Theatre on the Bay.

For thirty years ELIZABETH TRIEGAARDT has presented Invitation to the Dance on Fine Music Radio. In celebration of this milestone, Elizabeth is my guest on People of Note this week. On Sunday at 6 pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP On now at Theatre on the Bay: The Rocky Horror Show, until 30 May

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is the young Spanish pianist Leo De Maria who was in Cape Town recently to play the Piano Concerto No 1 by Tchaikovsky. Leo won gold at the 2024 Unisa Piano Competition in Pretoria and subsequently made contact with the CPO. Leo comes from a musical family and says that he simply can’t live without music. People of Note Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP. And the Rocky Horror show continues to draw the crowds at Theatre on the Bay.

We’ve had a really distinguished choral conductor in Town with the Cape Town Philharmonic. NICHOLAS CHALMERS is one of the leading conductors in the UK and he conducted two concerts with the CPO, including Mendelssohn’s Lobegesang. Rodney Trudgeon caught up with him for an interview for People of Note. Nicholas Chalmers on People of Note this week. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP and their production of The Rocky Horror Show is pulling in the crowds at the Theatre On The Bay.

Many of the engineers who have come through the doors at Fine Music Radio, were trained at the Cape Audio College. Rodney Trudgeon's guest on People of Note this week is Jonathan Pike, who has worked at the College for over two decades. His deep passion for music has shaped his career.

This Sunday on People of Note, I’m in conversation with award-winning actor Craig Urbani. Craig takes on the role of Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show. Presented by Pieter Toerien and LAMTA, this much-loved rock ’n’ roll musical returns to Theatre on the Bay from the 7th of April to the 31st of May. Join me, Rodney Trudgeon, Sunday at 6pm, with a repeat on Thursday at 12 noon, only on Fine Music Radio.

The Musical Pretty Woman is pulling in the crowds here at Artscape and the show has been brought to South Africa by Showtime Management the company run by Hazel Feldman. Hazel has been responsible for bringing many world famous shows and artists to South Africa over many years and in People of Note this week, Rodney Trudgeon asked Hazel about he phenomenal career. People of Note, Sunday 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP and Jonathan Roxmouth is on stage at the Theatre on the Bay with Key Change.

This week on People of Note, join us for a captivating conversation with Carolynne Waterhouse – acclaimed teacher, and passionate advocate for the arts. Discover her journey through music, her inspirations, and the stories behind her remarkable career. Don’t miss People of Note with Carolynne Waterhouse, Sunday at noon and again on Thursday at midday, only on Fine Music Radio. Brought to you by PTP. And on stage at Theatre on the Bay is Jonathan Roxmouth and Key Change.

A recent visitor to Cape Town was one of the founders of the hugely popular acapella ensemble THE REAL GROUP. Anders Edenroth wanted to create a group of singers with an emphasis on jazz, pop and folk music with a distinctive unaccompanied sound. The group has enjoyed international fame but now Anders is involved mostly in composing, arranging and coaching choral ensembles. In fact while he was in Cape Town he had a rewarding session with Vox. Anders is Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week. Sunday at 6m and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP. And at Theatre on the bay this week, there’s Key Change with Jonathan Roxmouth.

Jonathan Roxmouth's vast career has many highlights, but perhaps nothing can quite beat his titular role as Phantom of the Opera, a role he performed locally and abroad. He is our guest on People of Note this week, where he talks about his show at Theatre of the Bay, Key Change – My Favourite Pianists, running from 4 to 28 March 2026. To find out about the man behind the phantom’s mask, listen to People of Note on Sunday at 6, with a repeat on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP.

Maynardvilles's open air theatre is one of South Africa's most enduring cultural institutions, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Jaco van Rensburg, Executive Director of the festival, is my guest on People of Note this week Sunday and again on Thursday at midday brought to you by PTP

An exciting new ballet with a somewhat unlikely subject has just opened here at Artscape. Dracula has been choreographed by David Nixon a while ago and, over the years it has become one of his most celebrated ballets. Cape Town City Ballet are presenting this work and one of the lead dancers playing Dracula is JEROME BARNES who trained at the Royal Ballet School and has danced principal roles with comnies around the world, including Cape Town. I invited him into the People of Note studio this week. People of Note Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP. And on stage this week at Theatre on the Bay, Rocco and Coenie De Villiers in 88.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is the much respected and admired jazz pianist Ramon Alexander. Ramon works extensively in recording studios, CD production, composition and session work and he has performed and recorded with a host of artists both locally and internationally in a variety of genres. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. People of Note is brought to you by Pieter Torien Productions – Conrad Koch and Chester Missings Puppet Power is on stage at the Theatre on the Bay from 10 to 14 February.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is Kathleen Tagg, a South African pianist, composer and producer who has been based in New York since 2001. Kathleen has toured extensively on the international circuit and has performed at some of the world’s most famous and iconic concert halls. Her work includes inter-disciplinary programmes using loops, samples and visual mediums. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is the newly appointed CEO and Artistic Director of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Adriaan Fuchs. Adriaan comes to the post with a wealth of experience in music, fund raising, music administration and artist liason. He has worked not only here at Cape Town Opera, but at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and Carnegie Hall. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is the cellist, conductor and broadcaster Kutlwano Masote.  Although he was trained as a classical musician, he has conducted concerts across the genres of operas, symphonic operas and jazz.  Kutlwano has just had his book published called The Imperfect Harmony – a sort of autobiography and I chatted to him about the book and his exciting life.

The UCT Summer School is well underway with its vast array of subjects including some very interesting musical lectures. One of these is a series of three lectures under the heading Music and the Sensuality of Harmony. These will be presented by the composer Grant McLachlan on the 19th, 20th and 21st of January. I invited Grant into the People of Note studio to talk about this most fascinating serues.

Pieter Toerien’s production of CATS is about to end it’s phenomenal run to packed houses in Cape Town and it moves to Montecasino in Johannesburg before embarking on an international tour. One of the people I spoke to who was deeply involved in the success of the musical was Gareth Hewitt Williams, who lives in London now but who came out to South Africa as one of the producers of Cats. Gareth is a producer with the company GWB which co-produced Cats and he shared some inside material with me on People of Note.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is Marthinus van Bart who has just published a fascinating book called Wolraad Woltemade 250 Gedenkboek all about this most fascinating character and his heroic horse who rode into rough seas to save people from a ship wreck in Table Bay. Marthinus is a retired journalist who has put together a most beautiful and well researched bookwith amazing photographs. People of Note. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP

Rodney Trudgeon's guest on People of Note this week, is one of South Africa’s most distinguished ballet dancers who is now retired after an illustrious career as principal dancer with CAPAB having joined them in 1966. His name is Eduard Greyling, who also travelled extensively in Europe and especially in The Netherlands and in Cape Town where he became famous partnering with Phyllis Spira. People of Note, Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursfay at midday, brought to you by PTP and don’t forget that CATS is wowing audiences hgere at Artscape

In People of Note this week, we continue our coverage of the musical CATS for Pieter Toerien who sponsors this programme each week and whose production of this amazing musical is absolutely spectacular. This week I’ll be talking to MATT KRZAN who is the Assistant Director of Choreography and who has worked on many musicals both on the West End and Internationally.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is WENDY ACKERMAN who, apart from being well known as the Honorary Life President of Pick n Pay, is one of this country’s most dedicated philanthropists whose major sponsorships and support of our orchestra among numerous other artistic companies, as well as her personal work for the underprivileged, has earned her the Mayor’s Medal for Philanthropy. Wendy Ackerman on People of Note this week. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP and the show Cats is drawing the crowds at Artscape.

For decades Pieter Toerien has brought us magnificent theatre! An hour before the opening of “Cats”, at Artscape, Rodney Trudgeon spoke to the legend himself about this extraordinary production.

We in Cape Town are in for a major theatrical treat this festive season when Pieter Toerien presents the smash hit CATS at the Artscape Opera House from 10 December to mid-January. The show with its amazing costumes, music and dance is likely to stun our audiences and Rodney Trudgeon spoke to the Music Director LOUIS ZURNAMER for People of Note this week.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is Kyle Shepherd, a leading South African jazz pianist and film score composer celebrated for his distinctive style. Kyle has travelled extensively internationally playing in major venues such as the Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall. His notable credits include the popular Netflix series Water and Unseen. Kyle Shepherd on People of Note this week, Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP

I wonder if you remember a famous international David and Goliath style court case where a lawyer from South Africa took on the mighty Disney organisation. It was about the song The Lion Sleeps Tonight for which the composer nor his family were never credited nor paid out for the use of the song in The Lion King. The lawyer who spear headed the case was Owen Dean and on People of Note this week, Rodney Trudgeon spoke to about this ground-breaking case. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is the celebrated Italian pianist Filippo Gorini. Filippo was in Cape Town recently to play various recitals as part of his project called “Sonata For 7 Cities” which he has performed in Vienna, Hong Kong, Portland , Milan and also Cape Town. Filippo’s musicianship has drawn unanimous acclaim in major musical concert halls in Italy, Berlin, Amsterdam London and Paris to name a few. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP

The magical world of recording and recording studios is in the spotlight on People of Note this week when Rodney Trudgeon speaks to Murray Anderson, who founded Milestone Studios some 35 years ago. Over the years Milestone has become a famous studio where many famous artists have recorded award winning albums and where Murray himself has written jingles and scored the music for local and overseas film and TV programmes. People of Note. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP.

For this week’s edition of People of Note, I invited in to the studio Ricardo MacKenzie who is the Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape Government. His political journey began when he was elected to the DA in the Western Cape in 2014 and I asked him about his portfolio and about his views of the arts in the Western Cape. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP

I wonder if you are one of the lucky ones who have seen Joseph and the Amazing Technicoulor Dreamcoat at Theatre on the Bay. It has just returned to Cape Town after a sold out season in Johannesburg and bristles with energy, slickness and fantastic choreography. In the lead role as Joseph is Dylan Janse Van Rensburg who has just graduated from Lamta and Rodney Trudgeon spoke to him about the show. People of Note. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is the broadcaster, financial journalist and author DAVID WILLIAMS whose latest book is called On The Railway – The Great South African Rail Story. The book is a fascinating, nostalgic and loving look at the golden days of rail travel in South Africa. From the starched linen table cloths in the dining cars, to the goods trains that once served as the economic lifeblood of the country. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP.

David Kramer’s musical Orpheus McAdoo returns to the Artscape Opera House this week after it’s hugely successful run last year in October. With its evocative mix of old spirituals, ragtime, early American folk and South African musical influences celebrate the story of Orpheus McAdoo and his Jubilee Singers. In the role of Orpheus is the distinguished Cape Town Opera soloist, the baritone Conroy Scott and Rodney Trudgeon him to People of Note to talk about his riole. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP

After a decade cloaked in silent and stardust the legendary Royal Countess Zingara is making a triumphant return to Cape Town with a show called La Dolce Royal. Zingara’s was a hugely popular venue and concept in Cape Town and this dazzling new chapter is being brought to life by the acclaimed South African theatre visionary Craig Leo. Rodney Trudgeon spoke to Craig Leo ab0ut the new show and his collaborators. People of Note, Sunday 6pm and again on Thursday at midday.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is Greg Karvellas who has directed the one man show MOFFIE, a compelling novel by Andre Charl van der Merwe which was made into a film in 2019. The play received a critically acclaimed run in London which left audiences transfixed. The actor at the Baxter production is David Viviers and Greg Karvellas discusses the play on People of Note this week. Sunday 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP.

One of my favourite comedies for the stage is Noises Off, a hilarious farce by Michael Frayn that takes the audiences behind the scenes of a disastrous theatre production. The play is being presented at the Theatre on the Bay by young actors from LAMTA, directed by Chris Weare. My Guest on People of Note this week is one of the actors, AIDAN SCOTT, who plays the role of the director in the play. People of Note, Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is a well established and mush respected jazz musician, composer and recording producer ANDREW FORD. Not only has Andrew produced many albums in his studios know as The Nuthouse. But Andrew has also composed and recorded all the jingles for FMR and, more recently, our FMR Overture which opened our Gala Concert in May. Andrew talked about his creative life as a jazz musician. People of Note , Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP.

On People of Note this week, Rodney Trudgeon will be talking to the much respected Cape Town born composer, pianist, multi-instrumentalist and raconteur HILTON SCHILDER. Hilton has undoubtedly helped to mould the sound of what has become known as Cape Jazz. He is recognised globally and has featured on numerous albums. People of Note. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP.

One of South Africa’s most iconic satirists and social activists is undoubtedly PIETER DIRK UYS. Pieter is also known internationally for his fearless satire and for his alter ego Evita Bezuidenhout. Pieter turns 80 this month and there are a number of tributes to him including some of his plays. I couldn’t resist inviting him into the People of Note studio to talk about his extraordinary career. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week, is the exciting and award winning young tenor Innocent Masuku. Not only was he a finalist in Britain’s Got Talent, but he is enjoying a hugely successful career with English National Opera. Innocent has just been in Cape Town to sing in Cape Town Opera’s production of the Barber of Seville as Count Almaviva, a role he also sang to great acclaim with English National Opera. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP

There is a play running at the Baxter Theatre called FEEDBACK, which is described as an extraordinary murder mystery that, under the unique and unconventional vision of Andrew Buckland who also wrote the play. Andrew is one of South Africa’s most celebrated theatre-makers and actors with a career spanning several decades in stage, film and television and I spoke to him on People of Note about this latest play and about his career. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday.

Cape Town Opera’s sparkling production of Rossini’s hugely popular opera The Barber of Seville is playing to packed houses at the Theatre on the Bay. Playing the leading role of the barber is the baritone William Burger and I spoke to him on People of Note this week about the role which is a tour de force for the baritone. People of Note Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP

A new 9 part series is about to be aired on SABC 3 in the channel called True Crime. It’s called Looking Into Darkness and has been directed by the award-winning film and documentary maker Peter Goldsmid and presented by the Forensic Investigator David Klatzow. The series concentrates on femicide featuring dramatic re-enactments , often using Confessions in the story telling. I spoke to Peter on People of Note this week about what seems to have been a traumatic experience putting it all together. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP.

I wonder if you’ve ever heard bells emanating from the City Hall bell tower? And I don’t mean the bell of the clock. There is a fascinating instrument in the bell tower called a Carillon which as an interesting history. It has been re-furbished and completely overhauled by someone who is passionate about such an instrument. His name is Alexios Vicatos and I invited him into the People of Note studio to talk about this instrument an to play some recordings of him on the instrument. People of note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday – brought to you by PTP.

Cape Town City Ballet’s production of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet Swan Lake opens at the CTICC this week.  Dancing the role of Odette is the South African ballerina Kirstel Paterson who has enjoyed a hugely successful career and has won numerous prestigious awards.  Rodney trudgeon spoke to Kirstel on People Of Note this week to find out about her career and about the role in Swan Lake.

Cape Town, with all its attractions, doesn’t seem to have that many pantomimes in the true sense of the word. Johannesburg and Durban are famous for their annual pantomimes and now the Durban company Kickstart Theatre Productions have brought their latest pantomime to Cape Town. It’s called Jack and the Beanstalk and Rodney Trudgeon spoke to the founder of Kickstart, Greg King about the production and its appeal to both children and adults and which is running at the Baxter Theatre. People of Note. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP

Starting this coming week on July 4th is one of the undoubted highlights of the classical music scene in South Africa. The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival is celebrating it’s 20th year this year with the usual line up of local and international musicians. The scope of the festival is wide with concerts, recitals, masterclasses and interviews. The Artistic Director of the festival is the cellist Peter Martens and Rodney Trudgeon invited him into the People of Note studio to talk about this year’s festival. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is a distinguished journalist, writer and consultatnt. Bruce Cameron has spent most of his professional life in the media, most importantly in personal finance and has written a book on retirement. He has won numerous awards and appears regularly on radio shows and is in demand as a public speaker. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is Jan Glazewski who has just written a book called Blood and Silver which tells the true story of survival and a son’s search for his family’s treasure in Ukraine. Jan was born with severe haemophilia and then, on top of that, he developed HIV having been given contaminated blood during a transfusion. Despite these setbacks, Jan has had a remarkably successful legal and academic career, including involvement in drafting an environment clause for our new constitution. Jan Glazewski on People of Note this week. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP

The musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is drawing huge crowds at the Theatre on the Bay and one of the most famous and iconic roles in the musical is that of Pharaoh which is played by Chris Jaftha. Chris is enjoying a very successful career in film, television, theatre and presenting and he has carved out a space as one of South Africa’s most dynamic and respected entertainers. He is clearly relishing his role as Pharaoh and I invited him on to People of Note to talk about the musical and about his career. Chris Jaftha on People of Note this week. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday, brought to you by PTP.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is certainly a dynamic go getter. Her name is Alte Mare who is, among many other things, the founder of the non-profit company called The Choral Celebration Network Foundation which sets out to make choral music accessible to all who have an interest or talent – a platform where choirs can celebrate music together, build networks and embrace diversity. People of Note. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP

A recent visitor to Cape Town was the pianist Rebeca Omordia who is a mix of many things – a love for western classical music, a passion for Nigerian classical music and a particular love of African Art Music. The BBC hailed her as An African Music pioneer and she demonstrated her art at a recital for the Cape Town Concert Series a week or so ago. Rodney Trudgeon invited her into the People of Note studio to talk about her fascination for the African Art Song as opposed to traditional African music. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP

Excitement is mounting for the opening of Cape Town Opera’s lavish production of Verdi’s grand Opera Aida on Friday 23 May. In fact, by all accounts, the entire run is very nearly sold out. Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is Magdalene Minnaar who is directing the opera and who has chosen an intriguing African Futuristic approach. People of Note, Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP.

On People of Note this week Mike Mills stands in for Rodney Trudgeon, and Mike's guest is three time Grammy award winning flautist Wouter Kellerman. People of Note is on Sunday at 6 pm with a repeat on Thursday at 12 noon. Brought to you by Pieter Toerien Productions

Pieter Toerien’s Theatre on the Bay will be the venue for an exciting and vibrant new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s evergreen musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. It is being presented by Lamta and has an all-star, young and enthusiastic cast. The musical director for the show is award-winning Amy Campbell and Rodney Trudgeon invited her into the People f Note studio to talk about what sounds like a thrilling production as well as about her own life as a jazz vocalist, pianist, vocal coach and actress. People of Note – Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP.

Cape Town opera is presenting one of the grandest operas in the repertoire, Verdi’s AIDA. It opens on the 23rd May directed by Magdalene Minnaar who will unveiling bold African Futurism reimagining of the opera. Part of the huge team putting the opera together is BRENDA REIN who is in Cape Town as opera coach for the production. On People of Note this week, Rodney Trudgeon spoke to Brenda about her unique role and about her distinguished career in Vienna with people like Deon van der Walt and Johann Botha.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is a multi-award winning composer, choir conductor, instrumentalist and producer whose musical voice has come to be recognizable as truly innovative and unique. Pieter Bezuidenhout is also the creative director at a South African base production company, Vektor Productions and he is the conductor of 5 choral ensembles across Tshwane. He is commited to developing the South African choral genre and has premierd more than 70 new works by South African Composers. Pieter Bezuidenhout on People of Note this week. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PtP

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is someone who can really be called a veteran of radio, television, theatre and variety shows. Anne Williams was one of the first continuity announcers on SABC television back in the 70s and she has broadcast on5FM, SAfm, LM Radio and Classic FM. Now Anne is back on stage for the first time in many years in the Agatha Christie play Black coffee which is pulling the crowds at the Theatre on The Bay. Rodney discussed her many faceted career and her role in Black Coffee. Anne Williams of People of Note this week. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP.

An exciting Agatha Christie thriller has just opened at Theatre on the Bay. It’s called Black Coffee and, as always with Agatha Christie, you’ll be guessing right to the end with all the usual red herrings. The play is directed by Alan Swerdlow with Allan Committee as Hercule Poirot and Ashley Dowds is Captain Hastings. I spoke to Ashley on People of Note this week to find out more about this play and its large cast, and we were careful not to give anything away. People of Note. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PtP

On People of Note this week concentrates on ballet and the forthcoming production by Cape Ballet Africa called Breathwords. One of the chorographers for this varied production is the Master Spaniard Nacho Duato who enjoys an international career. His work in Breathwords is called Ramanso which features 3 male dances and with Gerard Joubert as the pianist. Rodney Trudgeon spoke to Nacho about his distinguished career and about Romanso. People of Note with Nacho Duato. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PtP

On People of Note this week, Rodney Trudgeon talks to Paige Nick who, apart from being the editor and host of FMR’s Book Choice programme, is an internationally awarded advertising copywriter, a Sunday Times Columnist and has published nine, soon to be ten novels. Paige is passionate about books and reading and she has fascinating stories to tell about the world of literature.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is Clive Ridgway who is a songwriter, musician, music producer, author and teacher. He has composed songs for many of South Africa’s most successful recording artists and has performed both locally and internationally. He also runs the Cape Town School of Songwriting and the AFDA School for the Creative Economy.

On People of Note Rodney Trudgeon talks to ALEX GABRIEL who was appointed a few years ago as CEO of Cape Town opera. As a musician in his own right and with years of experience combining art with business, Alex is well-equipped to drive decision making to ensure a prosperous future for Cape Town Opera. He spent 8 years teaching at UCT and also taught piano privately. We also discuss some of the plans Cape Town Opera has for this year.

An extremely interesting and original book on Mozart has just been published. It’s called “Meetings With Mozart” and is written by William Charlton-Perkins who for many years was well known in theatre and media circles in KwaZulu Natal. He was head of publicity at the Playhouse Company in Durban and has had a life long love of the music of Mozart. His debut book presents us with an original and fascinating angle on Mozart And makes for interesting reading.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is Hans Huyssen - composer, baroque cellist and conductor with a special love for early European Baroque music as well as rare traditions of indigenous South African music. Last year Hans turned sixty and to celebrate he has been involved in what he calls his 60@60 Project. Many performers both local and international have been involved and on People of Note, Hans spoke about his compositions and his fascinating life.

This week on People of Note, Rodney Trudgeon will be talking to ALBIE SACHS, the South African lawyer, activist, writer and former judge who was appointed by Nelson Mandela to the first Constitutional Court of South Africa. Albie, who has just celebrated his 90th birthday, famously survived an assassination attempt in 1988 and lost his right arm and the sight in his left eye.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is the distinguished South African flautist Liesl Stolz who not only lectures Flute at UCT but has a very busy life playing chamber music, solo works and she’s played in all the major orchestras in South Africa as guest principal. Liesl has also launched the first Woodwind Festival in South Africa which takes place from the 8 – 11 April at the Baxter Theatre. Her passion for the flute and music is most infectious and she is also a great ambassador for South African flute music. Liesl Stoltz on People of Note this week. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP.

A fascinating new CD has just arrived here at FMR featuring the world premier of a cello concerto by Widor, coupled with the Lalo Cello Concerto. There is a fascinating story about the Widor concerto which has been re-constructed from fragments by the cellist Graham Du Plessis who is the soloist on the recording. Graham is based in Cape Town and is a Cello Lecturer at the South African College of Music and occasionally plays with our orchestra. Graham will be my guest on People of Note this week. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday at midday. Brought to you by PTP.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note was Adrienne Haan who is hailed as an exceptional song interpreter with a grand voice and an entertainer of the highest calibre. Adrienne tours internationally with her show Tehorah in which she commemorates the Holocaust. Now she has brought this show to South Africa along with other productions such as a lecture on Degenerate Music and an evening of French Chanson. Adrianne will feature her songs during People of Note. Brought to you by Pieter Toerien Productions

On the first edition of People of Note for 2025, we’ll be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Cape Town Concert Series which is an integral part of Cape Town’s music scene, featuring as it does some of this country’s finest musicians as well as international artists, all of whom are superb chamber musicians. I invited Louise Howlett, the General Manager of the Cape Town Concert Series into the studio to talk about the history and current activities of the Society. People of Note with Louise Howlett. Sunday at 6pm and again on Thursday . Brought to you by PTP

The Pieter Toerien production of My Fair Lady is proving to be incredibly popular and is playing to packed houses. And, rightly so because it is an epic production in every way. Rodney Trudgeon's guest on People of Note this week is Mark Richardson who plays the iconic role of Alfred P Doolittle in a true tour de force which brings the house down!

Rodney Trudgeon's guest on People of Note this week is Patric Solomon, who is the Executive Director of Molo Songololo, a registered and designated non profit organisation that promotes the rights and protection of children. It also facilitates children's participation in public decision making.

This week on People of Note, Rodney Trudgeon will be talking to David Watkyns, a singer-songwriter, producer, teacher, actor and SAMA Award winner. David's songs are often described as nostalgic, catchy melodies with soaring lyrics, and his solo album No Other Love won him a SAMA Award in the category Best Produced Album. David is also known for his performances with Arno Carstens and the Springbok Nude Girls.

Rodney Trudgeon's guest on People of Note this week is the South African born viola player, educator and philanthropist Louise Lansdown who is serving as Head of Strings at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and Professor of Viola at the Yehudi Menuhin school. Louise also directs two major viola competitions in the UK and has been in Cape Town to play principal viola with the Mzanzi National Orchestra.

One of the undoubted highlights of the forthcoming festive season is the Pieter Toerien production of My Fair Lady, the musical that for years has been a huge favourite. Craig Urbani will play Professor Henry Higgins and the role of Eliza Doolittle is being shared by Brittany Smith and Leah Mari. Rodney Trudgeon spoke to both Elizas for People of Note this week. My Fair Lady opens on the 18th of December at the Artscape Opera House.

Rodney Trudgeon’s People of Note this week features an inspiring conversation with Bernado Oostehuizen, a former addict who has transformed his life and now dedicates himself to helping others do the same. As the head of the West Coast Skills Centre, Bernado equips individuals with essential skills to build a brighter future, making his story a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and the impact of giving back.

People of Note this week takes the form of a tribute to one of South Africa’s most distinguished singers and singing teachers. A year ago Rodney Trudgeon spoke to Sarita Stern about her long career and about her recently published book. Sarita died recently and so we’ve decided to rebroadcast that interview in which she talks about her career and the tragedy that struck her as she was about to make her debut in Carmen.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is the young South African composer Braam Du Toit. Braam is also a choral conductor and is the recipient of a number of awards and accolades He stated he has "always been interested in combining music with other art forms," and that he finds "the reciprocal influence between music, visuals and performance intriguing and exciting."

A new ballet company here in Cape Town is called Cape Ballet Africa and they’ve just had their inaugural season at the Baxter called SALT. Diane van Schoor has been appointed Guest Teacher and Patron of the new company and she brings a life of experience as a ballet dancer and now teacher who has won many awards, including the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Cecchetti Council of America.

Rodney Trudgeon’s guest on People of Note this week is Clive Ridgway who is a songwriter, musician, music producer, author and teacher. He has composed songs for many of South Africa’s most successful recording artists and has performed both locally and internationally. He also runs the Cape Town School of Songwriting and the AFDA School for the Creative Economy

An exciting new play has opened at the Theatre on the Bay. It’s called My Brilliant Divorce, written by Geraldine Aron and stars Kate Normington. It’s a one woman show during which Kate has to take many other parts and it’s described as a tragic/comic exploration in the world of a newly divorced woman after 20 years of marriage with searing humour, slapstick comedy self-analysis and drama.