The Phoenix Ensemble takes pride in presenting a sophisticated musical solution to the corporate and private entertainment worlds. The musicians of the ensemble are all highly trained multi-instrumentalists and well-known recording artists with as many as 10 CD releases between them. The members are all seasoned performers within the business arena.

Jacques Villon (Cellist and manager): Jacques studied the cello for 8 years in Freiburg and Hamburg, Germany. Since returning to South Africa in 1994, Jacques has taught at various schools and performed with various orchestras and ensembles and as soloist in Gauteng.

Ilse-Louise Herholdt (Piano/Flute/Pan Flute/Harmonica): Ilse studied piano in Pretoria. She is a virtuosic jazz/classical pianist who performs regularly at Caesar's Palace with her group, Town Talk, and teaches at various institutions.

Elbé Henkins (Violin/Viola): Elbé studied the violin in Bloemfontein and has been working in Johannesburg for the last 2 years. Currently she teaches at Wits University and occupies the third highest violin position in the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

Elfreda Jordaan (Harpist): Elfreda studied the harp in Paris, France. Elfreda has been a freelance harpist since 1978 and performs regularly with all main orchestras in South Africa.

Melanie Grobbelaar (Double Bass): Melanie teaches music at various schools in Pretoria. She performs regularly with Phoenix Ensemble and Town Talk and plays on an electric double bass.

Reggie Thothela (Double Bass): Reggie, has been a member of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra since the beginning of 2004.

Members of the ensemble have been continuously involved in charitable work in musical education of previously disadvantaged communities (amongst others the Buskaid Soweto String Project and the Alexandria Music Project) since 1996. The Phoenix Ensemble complies with Affirmative Action and endeavors to support/employ young musicians from these communities who are seeking to establish themselves as professional musicians.

Phoenix Music now collaborates with well-kown singers in the opera and jazz genres. You can hire the opera singers, George and Riana, from Artista, jazz vocalist, Anna Davel or Mezzo-soprano, Veramarie Meyer, accompanied by the Phoenix Ensemble to provide an unforgettable climax to your evening!

The Phoenix Ensemble ideally performs as a 3-piece ensemble (2 soloists and double bass). The cello performs the lower solo part and a combination of the piano/pan flute/orchestral flute/harmonica or violin/viola performs the higher solo part. Alternatively the harp, accordion or piano can also be booked with one or more of the other players. This multitude of instruments combined with meticulously arranged backtracks provide for a vast tapestry of orchestral sound.

The repertoire played by the Phoenix Ensemble ranges in popular classical, folk and world music to mainstream pop and jazz genres. Each event can be tailor-made to your specific entertainment needs. The following CDs can also be packaged as corporate gifts for your clients.