Palm Strings Duo

Location: Based in Cape Town

Biography

Violin-guitar duo Palm Strings has become an institution in the Western Cape's special events and music industries, with their energetic performance of an extensive repertoire consisting of Classical favourites and popular contemporary melodies being a favourite amongst many event organisers. The duo is known for its adaptability, its ability to accommodate special requests, and for being able to roam whilst playing. Due to the fact that everything is played by memory, they are able to interact with guests and audiences, which adds great value to the performance.

Guitarist Michael Hoole and violinist Titia Blake have been performing as a duo since 1997, providing background music for corporate events, incentive tours and promotions, festive events and weddings, for which a personalized service is available. The numerous venues at which they have performed include wine estates such as Constantia Uitsig, Buitenverwachting, Spier, Morgenhof, and Rhebokskloof, as well as major hotels such as The Lord Charles, Table Bay, Mount Nelson, Cape Sun, and Cape Grace.

Members

Titia Blake

Titia has been playing the violin since the age of ten, and was chosen to tour Europe and Israel as part of the South African national youth orchestra whilst still at school. After studying for a B.Mus at UCT, she joined the first violin section of the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra. Sixteen years later Titia founded Palm Strings ensembles, consisting of a string quartet and a violin/guitar duo. With teaching (in particular to young children) being an important part of her life, Tita tutors at Bishops, the Sun Valley Music Academy, as well as privately.

Mike Hoole

Michael Hoole was awarded a Bachelor of Music (Performers) Degree with distinction at the UCT College of Music in 1988. He studied further in London where he obtained a diploma in the Advanced Course from The Royal College of Music in 1989, and finally completed a Post Graduate Teaching Diploma at UCT in 1990. He has performed with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra, as well as representing South Africa in several international competitions. Michael has recorded for the SABC and has toured South Africa, Namibia and throughout Europe. He currently teaches at Bishops High School, as well as the Sun Valley Music Academy, and freelances throughout the Western Cape.

Noteworthy bookings with Five Seasons

Leap Communications retirement function, Cape Town
Mother's Day lunch, Table Bay Hotel
Jazz lunches, Table Bay Hotel
Annual Christmas entertainment bookings, Table Bay Hotel

Photo Gallery

Sound Clips

Downloads

Enquiry Form

Please fill out the form below to receive more information on the performer. We will do our best to get back to you within one working day.

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