Mr Thomas Erlank (tenor) [above, left] and Prof Tinus Botha (pianist) [right] recently returned from an inspiring concert tour of Central and South America.
Their trip began at the University of Costa Rica in San José, where they participated in the Encuentro de Pianistas — a renowned piano conference that attracts musicians and educators from around the world. This event provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with international colleagues, exchange ideas, and showcase their talents. Their performance during the conference of Robert Schumann’s Dichterliebe and Liederkreis Op. 24, works known for their emotional depth and complexity, was received with great acclaim.
In addition to their concert, Mr Erlank and Prof Botha took time to interact with students at the University of Costa Rica. They led teaching sessions, mentoring young musicians and offering insights into both the technical and expressive aspects of performance. The duo’s hands-on approach to teaching allowed students to benefit from their extensive experience, further enriching the educational experience at the university.
The highlight of their visit to Bogotá was their performance at the prestigious León de Greiff Auditorium, a major venue that has hosted some of the world’s finest musicians. They performed the same programme as in Costa Rica, captivating an audience of more than 1,600 people.
Mr Erlank and Prof Botha returned from their tour with a renewed sense of inspiration, deeply moved by the warm reception they received throughout their travels. Their experiences in Costa Rica and Colombia not only allowed them to share their artistry with diverse audiences but also helped to strengthen and expand the university’s international connections. The trip was a wonderful reminder of the power of music to transcend borders, foster collaboration, and inspire future generations of musicians.
