Candelabra Classics: Jonathan Roxmouth & JPO Continue the Glitzy Showmanship of Liberace

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO), conducted by Eddie Clayton, is pairing up with pianist, singer and all-round showman Jonathan Roxmouth this May for two special concerts that you cannot afford to miss.

CANDELABRA CLASSICS – A Pianistic Salute to Liberace is a first-of-its-kind collaboration to grace the stage at the Linder Auditorium in Parktown. The show runs for just two performances before Roxmouth heads to international shores to re-join the World Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera.

Jonathan Roxmouth | Photo: Jaco Bothma, Empire Photography

What’s on the programme for Candelabra Classics?

Guests to the show are in for a mix of the favourite classics, songs and spectacles that made Liberace a household name. The producers are keen to point out that this is not an impersonation, but rather it is a Jonathan Roxmouth picking up where Liberace left off. The show is filled with glitz and glamour, along with pure musicianship and unbridled fun, making it a delight for the whole family.

The evening includes everything from Chopin to Chopsticks, Beethoven to Boogie-woogie, and some surprises along the way. Programme highlights will include Addinsell, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Gershwin, Grieg, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Strauss and Tchaikovsky.

Jonathan Roxmouth plays Liberace piano at Candelabra Classics — Photo: Jaco Bothma, Empire Photography

Jonathan Roxmouth and JPO’s musical tribute to Liberace

“Ever since I was introduced to the singular artistry of Liberace, I have always wanted to play his particular mix of popular music and classical music,” Roxmouth says excitedly. “To be able to do that not just on the piano, but with the 60-piece Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra is beyond description. I am looking forward to my concert pianistic debut with them at the Linder Auditorium where I’ll get to stretch my classical muscles as well as play some real toe-tapping surprises.”

Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of The Johannesburg Philharmonic adds “…(we are) delighted to once again be featuring Jonathan Roxmouth – the multi-award-winning singer, actor and pianist, this time on piano. We are looking forward to Jonathan’s performance in Candelabra Classics at the Linder Auditorium and I am certain that Jonathan, with his exceptional talent, backed by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, will produce a thrilling concert. These are certainly concerts not to be missed.”