Alla Francese is a premier recital celebrating the elegance, wit, and profound emotion of French cello and piano sonatas. This isn't just a concert; it is a masterclass in musical storytelling brought to life by two of South Africa’s most distinguished instrumentalists: Anmari van der Westhuizen and Nicolene Gibbons.

Van der Westhuzen joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFMArt Beat with all the details.

Meet the Virtuosos

Prof. Anmari van der Westhuizen (Cello)

As the head of the Odeion String Quartet and an associate professor at the UFS, Van der Westhuizen is a cornerstone of the South African classical scene. Her pedigree is world-class, spanning from the Mozarteum in Salzburg to the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne. Having performed across nearly every continent, her playing is seasoned with the wisdom of the greats, yet retains the fiery passion that has won her major competitions like the ATKV Forté and SABC prizes.

Nicolene Gibbons (Piano)

Returning to South Africa after nearly three decades in the United Kingdom, Gibbons brings an international flair back to her Bloemfontein roots. With degrees from the Royal College of Music and the University of Cambridge, her career has balanced high-level performance with a deep understanding of composition. Now based in Philippolis, her recent collaborations have been met with standing ovations, proving her touch on the keys is as sensitive as it is powerful.

A Journey Through the French Soul

The programme for the evening is a curated tour through the "Golden Age" of French composition:

• Debussy’s “Sonata in D minor”: Experience the whimsical, avant-garde "Serenade et Finale" that redefined what a cello could do in the early 20th century.

• Poulenc’s “Sonate pour violoncelle et piano”: A work of pure character – alternating between cheeky humor and heartbreaking lyricism.

• Messiaen’s “Praise to the Eternity of Jesus”: A movement from the Quartet for the End of Time, offering a moment of transcendental, ethereal beauty.

• Franck’s “Sonata in A major”: Originally written for violin but beloved on the cello, this is the ultimate romantic masterpiece, famous for its soaring melodies and "cyclic" structure.

Event Details

Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur of the arts or simply looking for a sophisticated night out, Alla Francese promises a transportive experience that bridges the gap between Bloemfontein and the heart of France.

• Date: 7 May 2026

• Time: 19:00

• Venue: Odeion, University of the Free State

• Tickets: Available now via Quicket