Zanne Stapelberg has attained fame as a serious classical artist with unprecedented popular appeal. This Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winner, nominated by Insig Magazine as the "number 1 theatre attraction in South Africa", has always been known as an artist who breaks musical boundaries ; even being called an “opera recce” by one critic. Collaborating with artists like Mandoza, Lady Smith Black Mambazo and Karen Zoid she likes to experiment with the nature of her classical background.

In Secret Songs she is on stage again with acclaimed guitarist James Grace - head of classical guitar at the University of Cape Town; this time performing the songs she listens to in front of the fireplace with a glass of red wine in her hand. This is a very intimate show. Stripped bare – just Zanne and James doing what they love most; making music.

They will be performing songs by Led Zeppelin, Lead Belly, Karen Zoid, Sting, Leonard Cohen, Nina Simone and also her own compositions.

What the critics say:

"Stapelberg and Grace’s ensemble is the creative pivot around which this recital revolves; their subtle communication, artistic awareness and perfect sense of dramatic timing allow song after song to become a living entity. This is especially apparent in the tenderly evocative duet Quando la ames. The zeal with which Stapelberg approaches this recital proves that she does not see her craft as a job or a calling – it is far more than that – her passion for performance is the essential ingredient in her live. She remains one of South Africa’s most prolifically talented an engaging artists."

 - Jeff Bruckman, Cue

"Being an opera singer, Stapelberg’s voice was what really stood out for me. Her control was phenomenal. There were so many shades coming through in every song; loud and soft, forceful and meek, tempered and violent. Overall the performance was intimate and light-hearted. It was refreshing to hear well-known tracks interpreted in this way as well as seeing classical sensibilities applied to pop songs. If you see this pair performing ‘Secret Songs’ near you, make a plan to see them."

 - Murray Walker, What's On

Audience Responses

We enjoyed the evening and find the place ideal for such intimate performances. James performanes, as usual, was superb and Zanne is simply Zanne both good friends of ours.

A pleasant evening...stunning duo...wow what a voice....I was a bit apprehensive as I have always found James to be rather droog....well done Zanne you have got him out of his shell..we want to come back when they are going to be there again

loved it..

Baie genotvol! Sou graag vanaand se vertoning ook wou bywoon.

I wish she had sung some French songs, Edith Piaf. And it is a pity to speak Afrikans without a translation, some people don't understand it. I don't. But the show was great! Thank you

we are fans of Zanne Stapelberg, we love her opera arias even more, because there she shows her full singing and acting capacity!

We enjoyed it more than words can say!! Absolutely brilliant, thank you so much for putting this show together. I have been wanting to take my children (late 20's) to James Grace for a long time and could never find a show. GREAT EVENING!

Brilliant! Loved the energy and the connection with the audience! Doen so voort!!

Zanne has the rare ability for a trained opera singer to transend into other styles of singing. She is vibrant and her sense of fun enchanting. Nina Simone. a lovely Stairway to Heaven and Maria of Buenos Aeres stood out for me.

Hi Alex I thought beforehand - rightly as it turned out - that most of the evening would not be to my taste, as I am a classical music junkie. I enjoyed only the two Spanish songs towards the end and the final number, Maria la Argentina I think it was called. I know both Zanne and James as accomplished classical musicians, so it was interesting to see them in different mode. Kind regards Henk

A beautiful, emotive performance.

The restuarant was crowded and the waitron (when we eventually found one) was unfriendly and unhelpful. There is little point in suggesting that people arrive an hour earlier, when the restaurant is incapable of delivering the food in sufficient time. We sat in the passage on a freezing evening, and although we requested that one of the front doors be closed, this was declined. When the food eventually arrived it was poor - sort of greasy diner stuff, so it was just as well we didnt have enough time to be able to enjoy the meal. A sorry evening. Fortunately the performance was great, even if chairs had to be brought in for us as we had tried to inhale the meal and thus were not close to the front of the queue. But then these are versatile, accomplished professionals with great delivery and style.

We loved every moment!

Zanne Stapelberg and James Grace share their favourite popular songs, songs they don't get to play in their "day-time jobs". In this intimate little theatre they did so with wonderful originality and sentivity. What a joyful and inspiring occasion! Congratulations to the performance and the Alexander management. We'll certainly be back.

Hi there Was offline that week after the show. I did however send a personal email to both Zanne S via James G. See next email

Overall a great show. Was not convinced about Zanne's Britany Spears stint. Loved the Piazollo, Nina Simone and Spanish Fragile. She reminded me of my favourite Argentinian folk singer, Mercedes Sosa. Well rounded and balanced voice. Great performance! -Lorenzo