Feature - International Society for the Performing Arts


	Johann Zietsman: Biography
Johann Zietsman	Having developed a love for music and the arts in high school, Johann qualified as an architect in Bloemfontein, South Africa, with the focus of his thesis being acoustics and theatre design. Throughout his studies, he performed as a French horn player in the local symphony orchestra, and taught brass at college level. Johann and his wife (Tharrie) spent two years in Ithaca, NY, where he completed a Masters Degree in French horn under Jack Covert. Back in SA, Johann started a music school in Cape Town, which grew to a center providing training in all orchestral instruments for about 400 pupils. Johann's strong interest in arts development, and the role it plays in the life of a community, was broadened by his involvement in a variety of music programmes in townships around Cape Town. He was appointed as General Manager for Orchestra, Opera, and Music at the Performing Arts Council of the Free State, where he produced and presented numerous symphony, opera, and musical seasons in a state-of-the-art theatre facility. He spent three years as director of a community cultural center, which provided opportunities for rural township people to develop their talents and potential. More than 800 "clients" of all ages passed through the doors of this modern facility every week, which he helped to complete, using his architectural background. Johann gained deep insight into the values and richness of cultural and artistic diversity during this period. He was appointed as Director of the KwaZulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in Durban, and became the CEO of the Playhouse Company (incorporating the KZNPO) soon thereafter. Johann's commitment to transforming the arts to reflect the full richness of the South African population was recognized by the new SA Government, when the Playhouse became known as the leader in this field. The Playhouse Company, with a staff of 500, and various performance venues, produced and presented many cutting edge productions, and set the benchmark for a new artistic expression of "being South African" in a post-1994 SA. Johann is currently the MD of a large Events company, where much of his previous experience and creativity is enhanced by the disciplines of the private sector. His passion for maximizing the positive role the arts can and must play in a changing society is further evidenced by his 25 year involvement as a Director of the SA National Youth Orchestra Foundation, and by his creation of the Field Band Foundation: a project involving 3000 township kids in music and dance. Johann's wife is an artist and marionetteer. They have two children: Eber (19) and Fritz (17).
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