After 13 years of teaching at NWU School of Music, Dr Antoinette Olivier will retire at the end of 2025. She considers this appropriate since 13 is her lucky number!

Thinking back on her time at the Conservatory, she says it was a huge challenge for her to find her feet in the academic environment, as she came from a strictly professional career as a performer. Apart from teaching, which she was used to, she also had to wade into the waters of research, which did provide many additional opportunities: completing her Master’s and PhD degrees, being recognised for creative outputs, and participating in conferences, both local and international. She appreciates the camaraderie with her colleagues and the free and open sharing of knowledge, which is not necessarily found in other institutions. But before she closes her studio door for the final time, she will be taking an official trip in September and October to attend the International Vocal Competition s’-Hertogenbosch, and present masterclasses at the Conservatorium Maastricht in the Netherlands and the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Sweden.

During her retirement, she intends to continue teaching in her private studio, both in Potchefstroom and Pretoria. But she will also be using her time to tackle more walking trails, especially something like the Garden Route Camino between Uniondale and Mossel Bay. She is also interested in receiving further instruction in how to draw and paint in an abstract style.

There are also many other things that interest her, such as gardening in pots, cooking, and reading, specifically non-fiction such as travelogues, biographies, histories, and books about food. She also likes to watch period dramas and series about forensic investigations, and she is a big Game of Thrones fan.

The colder winter weather makes her happy because it’s so refreshing and brings a whole new dimension to the day — brooding, but also a clearer sky which cheers her up.

Her beautiful voice will not be quiet during her retirement — she intends to continue performing so be sure to watch out for her concerts!