STRINGS ON FIRE with Scheppel and Dirkie van Staden

STRINGS ON FIRE (Scheppel & Dirkie van Staden)

Two world class, award-winning musicians join forces in this virtuoso and dynamic duo, STRINGS ON FIRE!

Proud Winner of the 2021 SOUTH AFRICAN INDEPENDENT ARTIST Music Award for BEST INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM & 2X Nominated for an AITSA Music Award for Best Instrumental Single 2021.

Johann Scheppel (MMus) & Dirkie van Staden (Hons BMus) are originally classically trained musicians with each nearly 20 years’ experience in the music industry, stretching from professional performance to teaching and composition. Blending a variety of genres, this crossover duo performs Spanish, Contemporary Flamenco Rumba, Acoustic Rock, Irish, Gypsy, Folk, Cuban & Latin Rhythms, African Kwela, Classical & popular music with a serious BEAT! And even Afrikaans tunes. Influenced by Rodrigo y Gabriela, 2 Cellos, CH2 Guitar Duo, Gypsy Kings, right through to David Garret, Vanessa Mae, Lindsay Sterling and Stephani Grapelli, their repertoire includes music by iconic artists, film music, latest hits from the charts, as well as stunning original compositions and golden oldies. Be sure to also hear well known dance, club, and techno hits, arranged by this spectacular duo. Scheppel plays both the acoustic and the extremely popular electric violin. 

SCHEPPEL:

‘THE PERFECTIONIST VIOLINIST. NOTHING MORE CAN BEAR THIS. TWO THUMBS UP.’ One Avenue – San Francisco

Only occasionally comes along an artist that really breaks the boundaries and challenges the status quo within their genre or chosen instrument.

It’s the story of an exceptional classical boy turning into a rock rebel, stretching the boundaries and sound of violin playing to new horizons and in the process establishing himself as one of the pioneers of this new era in string playing and pop-rock music as a genre. With followers worldwide including over twenty fan pages from Mexico to France, Finland, Germany, the Americas, South Africa, Brazil, Australia and Japan.

After a strict classical childhood that included recitals, universities, scholarships and competitions from South Africa to Germany, he eventually discovered the world of rock and roll, theater and folk music. For over a decade Scheppel has performed over 3500 shows and concerts around the globe in concert halls, festivals for princes and presidents.

In 2021 Scheppel signed an exclusive recording deal with Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music-based entertainment company and released his first single ‘Thunderstruck'. 

Scheppel are also a SAMA Nominee 2022 for his album “AFRIKAANS”.

DIRKIE VAN STADEN:

Dirkie van Staden is a guitarist, multi- instrumentalist, and music teacher. His main project is STRINGS ON FIRE Violin & Guitar Duo together with Internationally acclaimed violinist Johann Scheppel. As former member of the South African guitar duo CH2, and current member of STRINGS ON FIRE, WORLD@SOUTH and other instrumental Duos and groups, Dirkie has won the following awards:

1X SAMA Nomination: Best Instrumental Album.

1X GHOEMA Award: Best Instrumental Album.

2X GHOEMA Nominations: (1X Best Instrumental Duo & 1X Best Instrumental Album).

1X AITSA Nomination: Best Instrumental Album 2019.

1X South African Independent Artist Award: Best Instrumental Album 2021.

2X AITSA Finalist Nominations: Best Instrumental Single 2021.

1X South African Independent Artist Award: Best Instrumental Dance Single 2022.

3X South African Independent Artist Finalist Nominations: Various categories 2022.

1X South African Independent Artist Nomination: Best Instrumental Single 2021.

3X gold medals and 1X platinum award at the SA Talent Championships 2012.

Winner of various Talent Competitions.

Dirkie van Staden initiated his own guitar & violin duo concept in 2007 and have since performed with some of the leading South African violinists at the largest local music festivals and had numerous live performances and broadcasts on national television and radio. Instrumental music has no language or cultural barriers and has a very soothing effect on the listener, yet it can be very energetic and festive. True instrumental magic! STRINGS ON FIRE is currently one of the most sought-after SA instrumental duos in the corporate scene.

Dirkie has 6 albums behind his name, with well-known repertoire and original compositions. As member of various duos, he made numerous appearances on national television the past 15 years. STRINGS ON FIRE are currently planning a new acoustic dance album.

Scheppel’s virtuoso passages and passionate melodies, joined by Dirkie's lightning-fast rhythms and percussive guitar playing, adds a unique stamp to the Duo and sound. You will hear sounds familiar of Spanish Flamenco, to traditional African kwela rhythms and even Eastern sounds. Most definitely a captivating experience that easily falls into the world music category.

The visual impact of what they do on one violin and one nylon string guitar, mesmerizes audiences all over, as they create a very large sound. They don’t just sound like a duo, but rather 3 to 4 musicians performing together. They showcase the virtuoso technical possibilities on their instruments and is a MUST-SEE LIVE ACT!

Scheppel and Dirkie van Staden will also be joined by Award-Winning South African Music Producer Andrew Roos (Accordion / Piano) and the multi-talented musician Phila Dladla (Drums) for a track or two.

Come and enjoy hits like Thunderstruck, Vyfster, Despacito, Dance Monkey, Senorita, Volare, Tussen Treine, Voshaarnooi, Insomnia and other Dance Hits, Hotel California, African Kwela & more surprises!

For ticketing queries:

GET INTOUCH

012 880 26 35 /  [email protected]

OPERATING HOURS

Ticketing Support:

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Saturdays 10am - 2pm

Sundays 10am -1pm

Public Holidays 10am - 1pm