Isak Roux

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Isak Roux is a South African born German composer born in 1959. He is known for his arrangements of South African music, especially his work with the musical groups Ladysmith Black Mambazo[1] and Kwela Tebza.

Born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa April 4, 1959, Isak Roux studied at the University of Natal where he obtained a Bachelor of Music and, in 1988, a Masters of Music in composition, with the dissertation Local music: Exploring the technical possibilities for establishing a South African compositional style. This study was conducted under the supervision of Jürgen Bräuniger and composer Kevin Volans.[2]

In 1988 Roux relocated to Germany,[3] taking classes in composition with Ulrich Süsse at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik in Stuttgart.

Professional career

Since 1991, Roux has taught at the Waldorf School in Stuttgart.

His work as a composer, arranger and pianist (both solo and ensemble) started while he was at university. Musical direction of productions such as Wakeman, Wakeman 2 and With a little help from my friends followed. Increasingly, he added choral composition and conducting to his list of musical activities.

Resident in Europe, Roux has participated in musical festivals such as the Tonkünstlerfest (Baden-Württemberg, 1990 and 1993) and the International Composers' Workshop (Amsterdam, 1996). In 1999, he delivered a lecture-recital for the Stuttgart German-American Society on South African (township) jazz. His commitment to African musical forms, rhythms and instrumentation has, however, remained central to his creative vision.[2]

He has composed syncretically in avant-garde, post-avant-garde and contemporary classical styles (so-called new music), with his music regularly being performed in Germany, South Africa, the UK and the US.

As an arranger he has become well known for his arrangements of South African music (traditional Afrikaans, Cape-Malay and Zulu –for piano, ensemble and voice). Over the past few years his musical association with the music organisation Music is a great Investment (MIAGI),[1] as well as super groups Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Kwela Tebza has brought him wider recognition as both a composer and arranger, in South Africa and abroad.

Work

References

External links

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