International Jazz Masterclasses & Concert Coming to Nelson Mandela University

The Nelson Mandela University Department of Music and Performing Arts is delighted to invite you to a series of international masterclasses and a public concert presented by the acclaimed Italian jazz duo Dario Savino Doronzo (trumpet & flugelhorn) and Livio Minafra (piano & composition), as part of their South Africa Tour 2026.

At the heart of their collaboration is FABUALE, an artistic and musical research project that explores the profound relationship between Nature and Music. Born from the meeting of Doronzo's evocative lyricism and Minafra's visionary compositional voice, the project transforms the natural world into immersive soundscapes that invite audiences into a space of deep listening, imagination, and reflection.

Musically, FABUALE traverses the boundaries between contemporary jazz, chamber music, classical traditions, rock influences, and Eastern musical idioms, creating performances rich in colour, spontaneity, and expressive depth. More than a concert, it is a poetic exploration of humanity's connection with the environment, offering audiences an experience that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.

 Internationally recognised for their artistry, Duo Doronzo | Minafra have performed at some of the world's leading venues, including Carnegie Hall (New York), the Brisbane Jazz Club (Australia), Mondo.NYC (USA), the Museu de Arte Contemporânea (Madeira, Portugal), and the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, among many others. Both artists are also distinguished educators, serving as lecturers in Jazz Trumpet and Jazz Piano at conservatories of music in Italy.

The Department of Music is honoured to host these internationally acclaimed musicians and warmly invites all members of the university community, local musicians, music educators, and members of the public to attend.

Event Details

Masterclass 1
Saturday, 15 August 2026
16:00 – 18:00

Masterclass 2
Sunday, 16 August 2026
10:00 – 12:00

Public Concert
Sunday, 16 August 2026
14:30

Venue for all events:
South Campus Auditorium
Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha

Admission is free, and all are welcome.

This is a rare opportunity to engage with internationally renowned performers and educators through inspiring masterclasses and an exceptional live performance.

We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a memorable celebration of music, creativity, and international artistic collaboration.

For more information, please contact George Foster 041 504 2632 or Thembeka Booi 041 504 4235.