An evening of musical brilliance awaits at UJ Dean's Concert - IOL
Professor Federico Freschi, Executive Dean of FADA.
The annual Dean's Concert will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 17:30 at the UJ Arts Centre, and will feature compelling voices, expressive piano, and rich choral sound.
The concert, hosted by UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the University of Johannesburg's Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture (FADA), raises funds for academically deserving FADA students facing financial difficulties.
The musical programme will be led by accomplished baritone Professor Federico Freschi, Executive Dean of FADA, acclaimed pianist Christopher Duigan, and international guest soprano Angela Gilbert. The UJ Choir, directed by Sizwe Mondlane, will be performing alongside them. They combine the intimacy of solo performance with the power of collective voices to create a meaningful evening.
Acclaimed pianist Christopher Duigan.
First presented in 2016, the Dean’s Concert supports the bursary fund established by Professor Freschi to help students with limited financial resources pursue their education.
“The Dean’s Concert brings together two things that are deeply important to me: the joy of making music and our responsibility to support students,” says Professor Freschi. “At FADA, we encounter remarkable talent and determination. Financial difficulty should not prevent a deserving student from completing their studies. This concert gives our community a meaningful way to help.”
South African-born soprano Angela Gilbert brings an extensive international career to the UJ stage. An alumna of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, she has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, San Diego Opera and Cape Town Opera, among others. Her signature roles include the title role in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, and she represented South Africa at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition in 2003.
Duigan’s longstanding association with the Dean’s Concert adds a familiar musical presence to this collaboration. Duigan, Freschi and Gilbert have all studied and worked together over many years, and it is fitting that in celebrating a decade of student support, this concert also celebrates the incredible possibilities of creative collaboration that go beyond personal friendship and professional partnerships.
“Audiences can look forward to the intimacy of a solo voice, the dialogue between singer and pianist, and the thrilling sound of a choir,” says Duigan. “Bringing Angela, Federico and the UJ Choir together gives us wonderful scope for contrast and collaboration. We want audiences to experience the warmth, energy and emotion that make live music so rewarding.”
That shared musical experience also brings artists, audiences, alumni and donors together, expanding opportunities through creative education.
“Our students are the future artists, designers and architects who will shape how we live, think and see the world,” says Professor Freschi. “The future of work will demand greater creativity: the ability to imagine new possibilities, respond to complex challenges and reshape our world. Supporting creative education is an investment in that future. I invite our alumni, friends and business partners to join us for an evening of wonderful music and help these young people realise their potential.”
Donors, businesses and friends of the university are warmly invited to attend and make a donation on the evening. Each contribution helps academically deserving FADA students continue their studies and develop the skills to shape our creative future. Qualifying donations are eligible for a tax benefit.
