Chris Duigan (born 1968) is a South African born pianist, composer and independent classical music entrepreneur.[1] Considered by critics and audiences, to be one of the leading concert pianists in the country. Duigan and has entertained professionally since 1991, performing solo, with ensembles or associates, thus amounting to approximately 100 events a year. [2] While Duigan’s talent is obvious, he usually plays with out a score, his hard work, discipline and business acumen is noteworthy.
Duigan is a living example of an “entrepreneurial muse”, who existed long before Dr Jeffrey Nytch [3]coined the term.[4] As a classically trained musician, Duigan has taken multiple steps make classical music accessible. He explains the history of a piece, has launched alternative venues for performances, and used his own home Casa Mexicana [5] (or played in patrons homes and played via live streaming [6] while also playing in traditional concert halls.
For 30 years, Duigan has remained sustainable as a self-employed impresario who has organized, played, promoted and recorded classical music.[7] His business skills development, his marketing acumen, and willingness to adapt to new formats [8] ,which now is being emulated elsewhere, makes him a true musical innovator. [9]
Music Revival History
editDuigan founded Music Revival[10] in 1997, the same year in which allegations of fraud and corruption were published against Mbongeni Ngema, another recognized and talented KZN musician, [11] who was friendly with a Cabinet minister in charge of health. [12]. At a time in South Africa’s public funding for the arts was depended on political patronage [13] Duigan by contrast has kept classical music in the limelight through hard work, networks and platforms.[14]
Streaming during lockdown
editFollowing the 21 day shutdown during lockdown, Music Revival went online, and Duigan performed regularly from 2020 to 2024, amassing approximately 250 performances, [15]demonstrating that a public service could be offered while working from home.[16] Livestreams ceased on 16 October 2024, as these productions could not be.
He made his professional debut with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra in 1991
Played regularly as The Kerimov Trio with Elena Kerimova (violin) Boris Kerimov (cello) and Christopher Duigan on piano.
References
edit- ^ https://createquity.com/2011/11/emerging-ideas-classical-musics-new-entrepreneurs/
- ^ https://www.iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/entertainment/leading-pianist-christopher-duigan-returns-with-a-mid-winter-classical-concert-ea42d1e8-29fb-4c4f-873d-5b6e32180e9b#google_vignette
- ^ https://hub.yamaha.com/music-educators/prof-dev/master-educator/meet-dr-jeffrey-nytch/
- ^ https://www.jeffreynytch.com/entrepreneurialmuse
- ^ https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2022.2063424
- ^ ARTSMART. "MUSIC REVIVAL UPDATE". Retrieved 2024-11-04.
- ^ https://www.iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/news/a-grand-piano-player-hits-the-right-notes-08ecebe6-0501-4132-a892-57bff1ca7708
- ^ https://open.spotify.com/artist/3pR1Ql9ASIGxhVlq9LTlHZ?si=aaIrsR96RnmDhXDvfmeQ1w
- ^ https://www.pubmat.co.za/christopher-duigan-calm-in-the-chaos/
- ^ https://www.musicrevival.co.za/
- ^ https://mg.co.za/article/1997-07-18-ngema-investigated-for-fraud/
- ^ Daley, S. (1996, October 8). South Africa Scandal Over 'Sarafina' Spotlights Corruption in the A.N.C. New York Times, NA. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A150442853/EAIM?u=anon~3a77896c&sid=sitemap&xid=fad83fc6
- ^ https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/08/world/south-africa-scandal-over-sarafina-spotlights-corruption-in-the-anc.html
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20241104060825/http://web.archive.org/screenshot/https://www.patreon.com/christopherduigan
- ^ https://www.youtube.com/@ChristopherDuigan/streams
- ^ https://www.psc.gov.za/documents/reports/2023/Report%20on%20the%20Impact%20that%20hybrid%20work%20arrangements%20had%20on%20service%20delivery%20in%20the%20Public%20Service.pdf