The series now not only includes profiles of current staff and students, but is expanding to feature former staff and alumni as well. The first person to be profiled, Dr Martin Watt, is both! He studied at the Conservatory and then returned some years later as a lecturer (2004–2007).
Instrument(s) / Discipline(s):
Composition & Music Theory
Period of study at the NWU School of Music / PU for CHE Department of Music:
1988–1992
Qualifications completed at the NWU / PU for CHE:
BMus & Honours BMus, both cum laude
Qualifications completed elsewhere:
• MMus (UCT), cum laude
• Advanced Diploma (Royal Academy of Music, London)
• DMus (UP)
Notable professional achievements:
See his website at www.martinwatt.co.za
Current professional position / occupation:
Senior Lecturer at the South African College of Music, University of Cape Town
Top 5 must-hear music:
1. JS Bach — St John Passion
2. Mozart — Sinfonia Concertante for Violin & Viola
3. Brahms — All the string quartets
4. Shostakovich — 5th Symphony
5. Alfred Schnittke — Concerto for Choir
Which personal music experiences are most memorable to you?
Too many to mention here.
Top 5 must-read books:
I don’t have much time to read. I mostly read non-fiction and biographies if I do find the time.
Favourite quote(s):
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
Top 5 must-see movies:
1. The Name of the Rose
2. Delicatessen
3. The Queen
4. The Pianist
5. Amadeus
Which television show(s) can you watch over and over again?
Dragon’s Den
Favourite food:
Sushi
Favourite drink(s):
Tonic water and lime juice
How do you relax?
Playing with my cat or cooking for friends
Which places would you still like to visit?
Italy, Spain, the USA, Thailand
What are your funniest / fondest memories of your time at the Conservatory?
• Having ‘deurnag’ practice evenings.
• Drinking red wine on the Conservatory roof late at night.
• Prof Korie Koornhof’s lectures.
Read more about Dr Watt at his website.
If it wasn’t for those funniest/fondest memories at the Concerv, there would have been a bit more of us that would almost not have survived!