“Music is my passion (and not a mere income generator) and I am privileged to practice this on a daily basis,” says Associate Professor, Theo van Wyk, who tells Tukkievaria about the importance of the organ festival.

Why is it important for you to participate/contribute in this initiative?

This festival will be a good marketing tool for Southern Africa, South Africa, Pretoria, and the University of Pretoria. Many international organists do not really know that there is a vibrant and growing organ culture on the southern tip of Africa. This festival will hopefully change that perception when I present a webinar as well perform exclusively South African concert organ works on the Rieger organ in the UP Chapel.

Can you tell us what does your role entails?

I am an Associate Professor of Music in the School of the Arts (Faculty of Humanities). I teach both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. My main teaching focus is on Musicology, Organ, and Organ Methodology. I also supervise several Masters and Doctoral students. Furthermore, I contribute to the School of the Arts’ research and creative outputs.

Why did you choose this career path?

Simply put: Music is my passion (and not a mere income generator) and I am privileged to practice this daily.

What is IOOF and how did you hear about it?

This year is the very first time that this festival will take place, bringing together thousands of pipe organ specialists, aficionados, and a range of various stakeholders in the field from across the globe. I did not know about it until I was personally contacted by the international executive committee to form part of this worthwhile venture.

Are other higher education institutions partaking in the festival?

As far as I know, there are only three institutions of higher learning participating in the festival: The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in the United Kingdom, the Julliard School of Music in New York, and, of course, the University of Pretoria.

Who are some of the well-known or famous artists who will be there?

Some of the most prominent musicians forming part of this festival include Olivier Latry, Paul Jacobs, Nathan Laube, Hansjörg Albrecht, Holger Gehring, Thomas Heywood, Martin Baker, Chelsea Chen, Stephen Tharp, and many others.

What are you hoping to bring back home at the end of the festival?

I wish to bring back the notion that the pipe organ is not dead, but alive and well, even in South Africa.