An evening of exceptional music can do more than move an audience. It can help change a student’s future.
That is the purpose behind the annual Dean’s Concert, returning to the UJ Arts Centre on Saturday, 7 November 2026. Bringing together celebrated musicians and the UJ Choir, the concert will raise funds for academically deserving students in the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) who face financial challenges.
Presented by UJ Arts & Culture, the concert combines powerful performances with a mission that reaches beyond the stage: helping talented students continue their education and prepare to shape the creative future.
A Decade of Music, Opportunity and Impact
First presented in 2016, the Dean’s Concert supports a bursary fund established by Professor Federico Freschi, Executive Dean of FADA. The fund helps students with limited financial resources pursue their studies.
Now celebrating a decade of student support, the concert highlights the role that music, generosity and creative education can play in opening doors.
This year’s programme brings together Professor Freschi, acclaimed pianist Christopher Duigan and international guest soprano Angela Gilbert. They will perform alongside the UJ Choir, directed by Sizwe Mondlane.
Audiences can expect an evening that moves between the intimacy of solo performance and the rich, collective sound of choral music. The collaboration also brings together artists whose professional and personal connections have developed over many years.
An International Voice Takes the UJ Stage
South African-born soprano Angela Gilbert brings an extensive international career to the concert.
She is an alumna of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. Her performance history includes appearances with the Metropolitan Opera, San Diego Opera and Cape Town Opera, among others.
Gilbert is known for her signature role as Lucia in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor. She also represented South Africa at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition in 2003.
Her appearance alongside Freschi, Duigan and the UJ Choir adds an international dimension to an evening rooted in supporting South African students and creative education.
The Power of Collaboration
Duigan’s longstanding association with the Dean’s Concert brings a familiar musical presence to this year’s programme.
Duigan, Freschi and Gilbert have studied and worked together over many years. Their collaboration reflects how creative partnerships can grow beyond professional relationships and personal friendships to create meaningful opportunities for others.
For Duigan, the programme offers an opportunity to explore the contrasts between individual voices, piano accompaniment and the energy of a choir.
“Audiences can look forward to the intimacy of a solo voice, the dialogue between singer and pianist, and the thrilling sound of a choir,” says Duigan.
“Bringing Angela, Federico and the UJ Choir together gives us wonderful scope for contrast and collaboration. We want audiences to experience the warmth, energy and emotion that make live music so rewarding.”
That shared experience also creates space for artists, audiences, alumni and donors to come together around a common purpose: expanding opportunities through creative education.
Investing in the Next Generation of Creatives
For Professor Freschi, supporting FADA students means investing in the people who will influence how society lives, thinks and sees the world.
“Our students are the future artists, designers and architects who will shape how we live, think and see the world,” says Freschi.
He believes the future of work will place increasing value on creativity, including the ability to imagine new possibilities, respond to complex challenges and reshape the world around us.
“Supporting creative education is an investment in that future. I invite our alumni, friends and business partners to join us for an evening of wonderful music and help these young people realise their potential.”
The message is clear: creative talent needs opportunities to grow. Financial support can help deserving students continue their studies and develop the skills they need to contribute to the creative industries and beyond.
How to Attend the Dean’s Concert
Donors, businesses, alumni and friends of the University of Johannesburg are warmly invited to attend the concert and make a donation on the evening.
Every contribution supports academically deserving FADA students facing financial challenges. Qualifying donations are eligible for a tax benefit.
Event details
- Date: Saturday, 7 November 2026
- Arrival: 17:30
- Concert starts: 18:00
- Venue: UJ Arts Centre, Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre
- Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
Tickets: Purchase tickets online
At its heart, the Dean’s Concert is about more than an evening of beautiful music. It is an invitation to help promising artists, designers and architects keep moving towards their futures.
On 7 November, the audience will have the opportunity to experience outstanding musical collaboration while supporting a cause that gives creative potential room to flourish.
