Someone started dancing
“This is Franz”, Jasper said. “He should do a Valentine’s show at Potter’s Place”. I know Jasper. I have never met Franz.
I was hesitant, but I trusted Jasper: “Bring me some sound-clips, but I will book him provisionally”.
I received the sound-clips on a very busy morning and had about 20 seconds to listen to it. Franz could obviously sing. I confirmed the booking.
On Valentines Day it was about 11 in the morning and Potter’s terrace was full of patrons having their midmorning breakfast . There was a friendly buzz in the air and a rather noisy crowd.
Then the music came from the theatre – a voice accompanied by piano. Franz had just started his sound-check. The terrace fell quiet. Pure notes, loud, melodious. Every-one paused . No one was eating, no-one was talking. This was something special.
On the terrace a lady got up and started to dance. She received wild applause from every-one. This was music for celebrations. I phoned the newspaper . I told the editor about this magic that is happening that morning.
The evening Franz performed his “Stories of Love Songs”- show. From the first song he received thunderous applause. There were standing ovations after the show and he was re-called twice. This was the kind of show not often seen in such a small theatre!
Here is a wonderful new talent in Jeffrey’s Bay. He has been here only two months. He is also a music teacher and has directed youth choirs to great acclaim. For many years he has performed as director of the Cantare Children’s Choir. He toured with them as solo singer to Austria and Britain. His highlight was a performance with 200 children in the St. Stevens Cathedral in Budapest .
Franz has also performed in Spain, Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, and Poland. He will now perform at Potter’s often. He will do a lunch-time piano show on Sundays and once a month an evening show .
The evening shows will also showcase some of his students .
Watch the press!
