Music lovers, aspiring jazz musicians and the wider Gqeberha community are invited to experience an international celebration of music when Nelson Mandela University’s Department of Music and Performing Arts hosts acclaimed Italian jazz duo Dario Savino Doronzo and Livio Minafra as part of their South Africa Tour 2026.
The visit will include two free masterclasses and a public concert at the South Campus Auditorium, offering audiences a rare opportunity to learn from and hear two internationally recognised performers and educators.
An exploration of nature through music
At the heart of the duo’s South African performances is FABUALE, an innovative artistic project that explores the relationship between nature and music.
Combining Doronzo’s expressive trumpet and flugelhorn performances with Minafra’s imaginative piano compositions, FABUALE creates immersive musical landscapes inspired by the natural world.
The performances blend contemporary jazz with chamber music, classical influences, rock and Eastern musical traditions, creating a unique listening experience that encourages reflection, creativity and connection with the environment.
Internationally celebrated musicians
Dario Savino Doronzo and Livio Minafra have performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall in New York, Brisbane Jazz Club in Australia, Mondo.NYC in the United States, the Museu de Arte Contemporânea in Madeira, Portugal, and the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre.
Beyond performing, both musicians are respected educators, lecturing in Jazz Trumpet and Jazz Piano at music conservatories in Italy.
Their visit to Nelson Mandela University provides local students, educators and musicians with the chance to engage directly with internationally recognised artists.
Event details
All events will take place at the South Campus Auditorium at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha.
Masterclass 1
- Saturday, 15 August 2026
- 16:00 to 18:00
Masterclass 2
- Sunday, 16 August 2026
- 10:00 to 12:00
Public Concert
- Sunday, 16 August 2026
- 14:30
Admission to all events is free, and members of the public are welcome to attend.
For more information, contact George Foster on 041 504 2632 or Thembeka Booi on 041 504 4235.
Why this matters for Nelson Mandela Bay
Hosting internationally acclaimed musicians gives local audiences and aspiring performers access to world-class artistic talent without leaving the city. It also strengthens Nelson Mandela University’s reputation as a hub for music education and international cultural exchange.
For more Nelson Mandela University stories and local arts news, keep an eye on 041Online.
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