Impresario-pianist Charl du Plessis is presenting his Gershwin Songbook at Pretoria’s Brooklyn Theatre tomorrow at 8pm and on Sunday at 3pm.

Charl was inspired by this special composer because he had one foot in the world of classical music and the other in jazz, which is Du Plessis’s own musical bent. On one hand, he performs classical concerts and on the other, he is accompanist for Nataniël as well as perform-ing with his own jazz trio called Trio.

“George Gershwin,” he says, “was one of only a few compo-sers who could write music that combined both styles and is respected by both the jazz and classical purists.

“His music is also accessible and well-known and makes for a varied programme choice.”

Joining the pianist for the Gershwin recitals is singer Musa Sakupwanya.

“We met while he was still studying music at the University of Pretoria,” says Charl, who is a lecturer in jazz. “He is originally from Zimbabwe and has been working with me for the past three years.

“The reason I chose him for this show is the ease with which he sings. It just flows and he is a reliable singer with no hang-ups. His voice is the smooth, crooning type – ideal for the sophistication required for Gershwin.

“Musa’s musical knowledge and creativity allow him to improvise and scat very well – something we use in the Gershwin Songbook show.”

They will be accompanied by the two other members of Trio, Werner Spies (bass) and Hugo Radyn (drums).

The three musos have been playing together for five years and have toured South Africa, been to China three times and are visiting Switzerland in August, for the second time, to perform at a major festival.

“We are different from other jazz outfits because we do theatre shows and not gigs,” explains Charl. “We play music that appeals to a classical and jazz crowd and try to bridge the gap between these two audiences.”

They are in the process of recording their latest CD, Classical Revamp, which will include compositions by Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, arranged in a jazzy style by Charl.

His arrangements will also be evident in the Gershwin Songbook, as he has reworked the iconic Rhapsody in Blue for the trio. “This piece is usually done by piano and symphony orchestra, but this will be the first time local audiences hear my version for a jazz trio,” he says.

The Three Preludes for piano is also part of the programme, as well as two rare waltzes by Gershwin – never before performed in South Africa.

The remainder is filled with some of the world’s greatest melodies, from the opera Porgy & Bess to beautiful Gershwin songs from the standard repertoire of jazz. Think of favourites like Embraceable You, Summertime and The Man I Love.

This is a great show for both classical and jazz music enthusiasts.

l Bookings for the show can be made through Compu-ticket or on 012 460 6033, www.brooklyntheatre.co.za