Classical Pianist David Helfgott to Launch FAREWELL, SOUTH AFRICA Tour, 7 Sept.

Legendary concert pianist, David Helfgott, will embark on his Farewell, South Africa tour in September with performances scheduled in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Cape Town. A firm favourite with South African audiences, the extraordinary musician will take his final bows on local concert stages with this tour.

Since 1998, Helfgott has been performing sold-out concerts in South Africa and holds the country very dear to his heart. He even chose to celebrate his 60th birthday in 2007 with a concert tour to the country.

Helfgott soared to international fame after the release of the Oscar award-winning film Shine, in which Geoffrey Rush gave a compassionate portrayal of the pianist. As a result, his exceptional life story has inspired people across the globe ever since. Born in Melbourne to Polish-Jewish parents, his musical talent was obvious from an early age and he became known as a child prodigy. He went on to study at the renowned Royal College of Music in London at the age of 19, but towards the end of his studies he suffered an unfortunate physical breakdown and returned to Australia. Over the years he managed to overcome his illness with the help of loyal friends and his caring wife, Gillian, whom he married in 1984.

Since the mid-1980, he re-established himself as concert pianist, touring all over the world and giving recitals that inspire and move people from all walks of life. He has graced the stages of Europe, Canada, USA, England and the Far East for the past 25 years, making a lasting impression on audiences with his exceptional talent.

Helfgott holds an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the Edith Cowan University in Western Australia. Recently he was awarded Honorary Citizenship of the City Of Montecatini in Italy, the city where the famous opera composers Puccini and Verdi once resided.

Helfgott will be performing his Farewell, South Africa! tour in Pretoria (7), Johannesburg (8), Bloemfontein (11) and Cape Town (14+15).Bookings at www.computicket.co.za. Ticket prices: R 195 - 315

David Helfgott - Farewell, South Africa!
7 Sept @19h30: Pretoria, ZK Matthews Hall, Unisa, Muckleneuk Campus
8 Sept. @ 15h30 : Johannesburg, Linder Auditorium, Parktown
11 Sept @19h30: Bloemfontein, Odeion Concert Hall, University of the Free State
14 Sept @19h30 & 15 Sept @ 15h30: Cape Town, City Hall

Photo by: Jack Meagher

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