(018) 299-1692 [email protected]

Programme & Year:
PhD in Musicology & Music Analysis

Hometown:
Rustenburg

Instrument(s):
Pen and paper. These are my instruments that I use to compose. I play piano and pipe organ, amongst others, but it is very important to me to understand how different instruments work and what their possibilities are, even though I cannot necessarily play them.

Professional ideals:
To compose and conduct research on a full-time basis.

Jaco Meyer & Willem Boshoff

Jaco Meyer with artist Willem Boshoff. A major part of Jaco’s compositions for his Master’s degree were based on Boshoff’s conceptual art.

Top 5 must-hear music:
1. Sergei Rachmaninov — Concerto for Piano and Orchestra nr. 3 in d minor, Opus 30 (1909)
2. Edward Elgar — Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in e minor, Opus 85 (1919)
3. György Ligeti — 18 Études pour piano (1985-2001)
4. Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph — Suite Afrique for Cello and Piano (1993)
5. Stanislav Anguelov — Made in Africa (2003)

Which personal music experiences are most memorable to you?
The first time I hear a live performance of one of my compositions — mostly during practice sessions with the performers.

Top 5 must-read books:
1. Inferno by Dan Brown
2. Koöperasiestories op Donderdae by PG du Plessis
3. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
4. Triomf by Marlene van Niekerk
5. Duiwelskloof by André P Brink

Favourite quote(s):
• “Music isn’t, music are.” — Unknown
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” ― Victor Hugo

Top 5 must-see movies:
1. Immortal Beloved
2. The Skin I Live In
3. Cry Baby
4. Coco Chanel & Igor Stavinsky
5. The Call

Which television shows can you watch over and over again?
Any series by Willie Esterhuizen.

Favourite food:
A medium steak with a baked potato and sour cream.

Favourite drink(s):
Cola tonic and lemonade with lemon slices.

How do you relax?
I don’t think that I can relax really, but I find much joy in spending time with my wife, my art collection and my endangered cycads.

Jaco Meyer

Which places would you still like to visit?
• Egypt because I would like to see the pyramids, ancient artefacts and experience one of the most historical places ever.
• North Pole because they apparently have some of the best hotels there and I prefer colder weather more.

What is the ringtone on your cell phone?
Antique telephone ring.

What is your favourite moment of the day/week/year at the Conservatory?
The Young Composers’ Concert because I was one of the composers who were involved in the initiation of these concerts and my works were performed regularly at the Young Composers’ Concerts. This concert also gives student composers the opportunity to have their compositions performed and to gain deeper knowledge about composition through performance. My Suite for Piano and Cello I was performed at the first Young Composers’ Concert in 2007 where I met the girl I later married.