Abri Jordaan
MMus (Performance) Cum Laude,University of Pretoria, 2006
BA Degree, University of Pretoria, 1981
Unisa Teachers Licenciate in Music, 1981
Unisa Performers Licenciate in Music, 1990
Abri plays on the:
Spruce Romanillos Design, Cedar Friederich Design & Spruce Double Top
Abri Jordaan has been guitar lecturer at the University of Pretoria since 1982, where he has recently started a post graduate program which several students have already successfully completed. He also teaches at Pretoria Boys High School and is an examiner for the University of South Africa. Abri has set the syllabi for various institutions as well as for the Concours Pan Afrique international Guitar Competition. He has also published articles on technical aspects of guitar playing in Musicusand in the Dutch El Maestro magazine.
As part of the guitar duo Abryvon (with Belgian guitarist YvonSyx), he made several recordings for SABC radio and television. The duo toured extensively throughout the Southern African region and undertook a successful concert tour of Europe in 1992. As well as doing solo recitals, Abri has worked with many of South Africa’s leading artists. He played with the Rosamunde Quartet and performed the Giuliani Concerto Opus 30 with the Orchestra of the University of Pretoria, as well as the Artium orchestra. In September 2001 he recorded a live program for Television with some of his students.
In July 2002 he gave a national guitar workshop for the Center for Continued Education at Pretoria University. Abri regularly brings overseas artists to South Africa for concerts and master classes, and was invited twice to the Amsterdam Guitar Festival. In 2006 he went to the Juan José Castro Conservatoire in Buenos Aires to do research on teaching methods.
He published a book of Afrikaans folk songs for beginners on classical guitar and has transcribed 21 Afrikaans art songs for voice with guitar accompaniment. His own compositions have received excellent reviews in local as well as international magazines.
"The instruments of master luthier Hans van den Berg are consistently of extremely high standard and pleasing on all accounts.
The craftsmanship is second to none and aesthetically always special – even in the smallest detail.
Although all his models have superior sound qualities, the double top instruments are outstanding in the quality and balance of sound throughout the register.
They are also quite stable with changes in humidity, which is a real bonus for performing musicians!
The instruments are comfortable under the fingers and the action very easy.
Hans also provides an excellent after-service for all his customers."
