The University of Pretoria (UP) staged its annual Principal's Concert on Wednesday, 31 August, and Thursday, 1 September 2016. The concert showcased the University's in-house performing talent and made use of pieces from UP's own art collection, bequeathed by various illustrious artists, as on-stage décor.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UP, Prof Cheryl de la Rey described the concert as a gala evening where the many and varied musical and artistic talents of the University's students and staff were showcased. 'UP takes pride in displaying our dedication to nurturing excellence across a range of artistic genres, while aiming to strengthen our contribution to local youth development in the arts,' she said.

The UP Symphony Orchestra, the Tuks Camerata, the Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble, the Onderstepoort Campus Choir and a theatrical ensemble from the Department of Drama all participated in the concert, which took the form of a costume drama inspired by and incorporating the 'Promenade' theme from Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition suite.

The concert was directed by Dr Glenn Holtzmann, a lecturer in Musicology in the Department of Music. Other UP staff involved in the production included Matheu Kieswetter, the University's resident orchestra conductor who has conducted top orchestras around the globe; Michael Barrett, conductor of the Tuks Camerata and a lecturer in Choral Music Studies in the Department of Music; and choreographer Bailey Snyman, a lecturer in Movement and Physical Theatre Studies who is currently working on his PhD.

Prof Theo van Wyk, Head of the Department of UP Arts, was the organist and Dr Clorinda Panebianco was the oboist. Dr Panebianco is also a lecturer in the Department of Music, teaching Music History, Music Education, Research Methodology, Oboe and Oboe Methodology. Vocal soloists included Dr Hanli Stapela, acclaimed South African soprano and leader of UP's Classical Voice programme, and Mxolisi Duda, manager and artistic director of the Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble.