Norbert Nowotny

Norbert Nowotny (19**-). Academic, composer, musical director

Biography

Norbert Nowotny was born in Austria, and later relocated to South Africa to complete his studies.

Training

He studied Music at the Austrian State Academy for Music in Vienna, where he graduated with Honours in 1961. He completed his PhD at Rhodes University in 1969.

Career

Nowotny worked for many years at Rhodes University, as associate professor, professor and Head of Department at the Department of Music and Musicology.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

Nowotny was musical director for several productions, including Fiddler on the Roof (1983), The Gondoliers (1984), The Wizard of Oz (1987 and 1991) and Gigi (1987) (these productions all directed by David Matheson).

For the Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society, he conducted Oklahoma!, The Desert Song and Annie.

For the Dramatic Society of East London, he was musical director for Hello, Dolly! (1988) and Mame (1991).

He was also musical director for several productions at Rhodes University, including Focus (1971), Little Mary Sunshine (1991) and The Good Person of Szechwan (1993).

As composer, he wrote music for Don Maclennan's absurdist “cosmic oratorio”, In Memoriam Oskar Wolberheim (1968).

Sources

Hello, Dolly! theatre programme, 1988.

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