Weiss Doubell

DOUBELL, Weiss. (1943-2015). Orchestral conductor and performing arts pioneer

Biography

Doubell was born in Smithfield in the Free State, and attended primary and high school there. Noticing his natural talent, his parents gave him the opportunity to play the piano, organ and violin. Already an accomplished musician when he was called up to join the army, it was a natural step for him to conduct its band and choir. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from what is today NorthWest University before heading to Germany to study music as well as orchestral and choral direction.

Back in Johannesburg, he established music ensembles such as the Rand Chamber Orchestra and the Rand Afrikaans University Choir. He also managed the Vereeniging Civic Theatre. Doubell's pioneering spirit reached fruition when he was appointed the first director of the Roodepoort Civic Theatre, in 1980.

In establishing the Pro Musica Opera Company, the Pro Musica Orchestra and the Pro Musica Opera Chorus, Doubell made sure the theatre (later renamed the Pro Musica Theatre) was not just a receiving house. It matured into a fully-fledged producing theatre with a strong emphasis on music and building audiences. A passionate promoter of young vocalists and instrumentalists, he made sure the theatre's opera productions and concerts reflected a symbiosis between experienced musicians and debutantes. In his 28 years at the theatre, some 400 opera performances and 500 symphony concerts were presented.

Doubell took a major risk in 1981 when Angelina Thabane became the first black soprano to perform professionally on a South African theatre stage. The response from some of the powers that be was, to put it mildly, chilly. Doubell wanted theatre to be for everyone.

Weiss Doubell died in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, aged 71.

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

Doubell's name is synonymous with Roodepoort thanks to his close involvement with the Roodepoort Civic Theatre from its inception in 1980 until his retirement in 2008. He became the director of the Roodepoort Civic Theatre which opened on 14 February 1981.

He also contributed to a number of productions as conductor or musical director such as The Sound of Music at the Staatsteater, Pretoria in 1995.

Sources

Beeld, 12 August 1995.

Christina Kennedy. 'Obituary: Weiss Doubell, fearless promoter of performing arts'. Sunday Times, 31 May 2015.

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