PEMS Welcomes Audiences Back with an Afternoon of Schumann Masterpieces

GQEBERHA – After the winter break, the Port Elizabeth Music Society (PEMS) returns with another exceptional afternoon of classical music, inviting music lovers to enjoy the timeless beauty of Robert Schumann's celebrated song cycles.

The concert takes place on Sunday, 2 August 2026, at 15:00, in the Nelson Mandela University South Campus Auditorium.

Acclaimed South African musicians Prof Tinus Botha (piano) and Dr Thomas Erlank (tenor) will present Schumann's much-loved Dichterliebe and Liederkreis, two of the composer's finest works that showcase the emotional depth and lyrical beauty of the Romantic era.

Prof Tinus Botha is one of South Africa's leading pianists, educators and collaborative artists. He received his musical training at the University of Pretoria under Joseph Stanford and was the recipient of numerous prestigious scholarships and awards, including the UNISA South African Music Scholarship, the D.J. Roode Overseas Scholarship, the Gertrude Buchanan Prize and the silver medal at the Hennie Joubert National Piano Competition. He was also a finalist in the inaugural Nederburg South African National Piano Competition.

Following his undergraduate studies, Botha was awarded a full scholarship to the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California, where he studied with Jerome Lowenthal. He later completed a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at Texas Christian University under José Feghali and Harold Martina, receiving the prestigious Lili Kraus Scholarship. He also holds performance and teaching licentiates from Trinity College London and UNISA, both awarded with distinction. Today, he serves as Associate Professor at North-West University's School of Creative Industries and Performing Arts, where he teaches piano, keyboard skills, music theory and piano pedagogy.

Joining him on stage is Dr Thomas Erlank, a distinguished South African researcher, educator, arts leader and former international opera tenor. His work spans higher education, vocal pedagogy, performance and nonprofit leadership, with a focus on resilience, creativity and excellence through thoughtful leadership and evidence-informed practice.

Dr Erlank is Lecturer and Programme Manager for the BA Music & Society and BA Honours programmes at North-West University, where he oversees curriculum development, programme management and academic governance. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Absurdly Kind Foundation, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to expanding access to education and creative opportunities for young scholars and emerging artists. His contribution to higher education has been recognised through several awards, including the Exceptional Teaching and Learning Award, the Novice Teaching Award and the Silwer Wings Award.

PEMS President and Concert Organiser, Dr Erika Bothma-Troskie, says audiences can look forward to an inspiring afternoon of world-class music.

"We are delighted to welcome audiences back after the winter break with a programme of sublime music performed by two outstanding South African artists. This concert promises to be a memorable musical experience and a wonderful opportunity to nourish the soul."

Classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike are encouraged to attend this special performance.

Concert Details

Event: PEMS Concert – Schumann's Dichterliebe and Liederkreis
Date: Sunday, 2 August 2026
Time: 15:00
Venue: Nelson Mandela University South Campus Auditorium
Artists: Prof Tinus Botha (Piano) and Dr Thomas Erlank (Tenor)

Enquiries

Membership enquiries and renewals:
Theresa Cunliffe
073 819 7864
theresa.cunliffe@mandela.ac.za

General enquiries:
Dr Erika Bothma-Troskie
082 308 4494