Creating the perfect atmosphere

From ambient, classy and romantic to fun and viby!

You may have seen Rike perform in shows like “Roll over Beethoven”, “Rock me Amadeus” or “Piano Boys” at the Barnyard theatres. Or maybe some years ago with Afrikaans singer Mathys Roets at the Oudtshoorn festival and Aardklop. Maybe you have been to the famous Jazz Bar, Hilton Hotel in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi and caught her playing with ‘Southern Glow’, or at the Royal Mirage hotel in Dubai.

Rike performs as a seasoned freelance musician, playing the saxophone. With the special ambience saxophone music can add to any social event or venue, she strives to create a special atmosphere and sophisticated image as a female saxophonist.

In 2001 she was the residential musician at the Centurion lake Hotel, playing solo saxophone with backing tracks.

Part of her experience has been working with many different groups, from pop bands to string quartets and big bands. Bands like Avalanche, Velocity, The Worx, and Cape Town band, Southern Glow.

Currently, a favourite for functions is a duo with saxophone and violin. It forms a dynamic duo: two female instrumentalists performing classics hits like “In the mood”. The repertoire ranges from classical music to light jazz and contemporary music. The unique blend of saxophone and violin promises a delightful and highly entertaining feature to any function.

Rike recorded her own album, which features some of her own instrumental compositions and arrangements of songs. Some of the musicians showcased on the album include guitarist Mauritz Lotz. The album is available at request and at performances.

A little bit of history:

Classically trained, Rike studied the oboe and also had piano training since the age of six. During her school years, she played in the Wits and TED youth orchestra. She joined the Air Force Band as a musician and was introduced to the alto saxophone. She played with the SAAF Glenn Miller big band and also a saxophone quartet. Qualifications include Music theory Gr VI, Oboe Gr VIII, and Chief Musician (Military teacher’s licentiate) on both oboe and saxophone at the Air Force Band.

Rike gave saxophone lessons part time at various high schools and is still available for saxophone lessons in the Johannesburg area.

In 2001 she was a finalist in the crescendo music competition.

Performance/Packages

Rike regularly performs at corporate functions, weddings, parties and music shows. She also provides background music in venues like hotels or restaurants.

As a soloist, Rike can perform with backing tracks, playing background music for up to 3 sets of 45 minutes.

She can also play walking around, setting a special atmosphere for cocktail functions or at outside venues where no sound system is required.

Saxophone and violin: A dynamic duo, offering great background music and entertainment for your function. 

Vocal trio, three females, performing on saxophone, violin and singer.

She can also performs solo numbers as a special item for a function.

Weddings: Different packages include performing in the church/chapel, playing a special song as the rings are exchanged and the register signed, playing while the guests are enjoying the pre – drinks while the photos are taken, playing background music during the dinner.

Rike has a sound system, should it be required to play her backing tracks through. It could provide adequate sound for functions up to 200 people.

Each function has it’s own atmosphere and the selection of music is chosen to suit the event.
Repertoire includes:

Light background music, ballads and light jazz. Some African numbers and also Afrikaans medleys. Songs include “Girl from Ipanema, Fly me to the moon, Take 5, Misty, My baby just Cares for me”. Lovely ballads like the theme from “Titanic” and “Against all odds”, “St. Elmo’s Fire”, “Because you loved me”. There are some colourful latin numbers like “La Bamba, Mas que Nada, Chico Latino, La isla Bonnita, Bailamos, Sway”. Show/upbeat pieces like “In the mood” and “Pink Panther, Pick up the Pieces and You can leave your hat on, Elvis medley, Rocking all over the world” etc.

The repertoire is extensive and special requests can be prepared in advance.