Meet Guest Entertainers Ralston van der Schyff 

An Outstanding Musician

(Pianist :: Keyboardist :: Vocalist :: Composer)

MUSICAL BIOGRAPHY

Introducing one of South Africa's finest musicians, jazz pianist, composer and entertainer Ralston van der Schyff has developed his own unique style of piano playing.
His reputation for panache and sophistication is echoed by many audiences who have enjoyed listening to him play.

Throughout his 31 years of playing the piano, he has learnt how to produce just the right sound that is easy on the ear. First taught by his father at age around 6, he then went on to pursue formal classical training at the Battswood College of Music in 1986 at the age of 10 through till 1994. During those 8 years he also enrolled in the Royal Schools of Music examinations through till grade 8, obtaining distinctions in some of his practical examinations. In 1995, he started jazz studies with George Werner at the Jazz Workshop, after which he then pursued a business degree. In 2001, he resumed his jazz studies at the Jazz Workshop with legendary jazz pianist and teacher Mertyn Barrow.

Ralston plays a variety of styles. Although mainly specializing in jazz, being anything from swing, blues, funk, Latin, African and any other sub-branches of jazz, his repertoire expands into other styles including rock, pop, contemporary, country, R&B, gospel and also classical. His years of experience, technical musical ability and passion enable him to play in any format, ranging from solo piano, duets (accompanying voice or instrument), trios to bands, as a pianist, keyboardist and vocalist.

He has performed in various musical settings, some of which are listed below:

Bands:

 2013-2013: Ralston Solo
 2012-2013: Sapphire Duo
 2006-2012: Three's Company
 2005-2006: Passport
 2003-2004: Octave
 2002: The Blue Monks
 2001-2002: Jazz Workshop Biggish Band (now called Hanepoot & The Biggish Band)

Jazz Shows:

 The First Lady of Song - starring Zolani Mahola from FreshlyGround
 Hooked On Swing - starring Charl van Heyningen and Beverly Rinkwest

Rock Shows:

 The Get Back Show  Drift Away

Cabaret Shows:

 Woman in the Moon - starring Ilse Klink from South Africa's television series "Isidingo"  Rhinestone Cowgirl - starring Christopher Green (UK)

Classical & Operatic Shows:

 Romanza & Per Amora - starring Charl van Heyningen
Festivals, Showcases & Special Events performed at:

 Bling Bling Shining Night Appreciation Dinner, Hilton Guangzhou, China - Jan 2013
 China Wine Challenge Awards Ceremony, Hilton Shanghai, China - Jul 2011 & Jul 2012
 Hilton Wedding Fair, Hilton Shanghai, China - Apr 2011 & Apr 2012
 Shanghai Slow Food Fund-Raising Event, Hilton Shanghai, China – Dec 2011
 China Wine Challenge Dinner & Awards Ceremony, Hilton Shanghai, China - Jul 2011
 Akzonobel Awards Ceremony, Le Royal Meridien, Shanghai, China - Apr 2011
 Peter Buffet Celebrity Dinner, Hilton Shanghai, China - Mar 2011
 West Coast Classical Music Festival, Darling, South Africa - Feb 2011
 ATP Tennis Masters Cup, Qizhong Tennis Center, Shanghai, China - Nov 2007 & Oct 2009  Shanghai International Music Festival, Shanghai, China - May 2007
 Shanghai Musical Instrument Exhibition, Shanghai, China - Oct 2006 & Oct 2007
 South African Consulate General, Shanghai, China - April 2006
 Slaley Jazz Festival, The Barnyard, Franschoek, South Africa - Apr 2005
 Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees, Oudtshoorn, South Africa - Apr 2004 & Mar 2005
 Woordfees, Stellenbosch, South Africa - Mar 2004 & Mar 2005
 Macufe Festival, DownStage Theatre, Bloemfontein, South Africa - Oct 2004
 Voorkamer Festival, Darling, South Africa - Sep 2004
 Gariepfees, Kimberly, South Africa - Sep. 2004
 Windhoek Arts Festival, Warehouse Theatre, Namibia - Sep 2004
 Vodacom Sounds of Summer, V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, South Africa - Jan 2004
 Cape Town Jazzathon, V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, South Africa - Jan 2003
 Johnny Walker Jazz Impressions Showcase, The Green Dolphin, South Africa - Jun 2002

Prominent venues performed at:

 Langham, Shenzhen, China
 Hilton Tianhe, Guangzhou, China
 Hilton Shanghai, China - 7 years
 The Mount Nelson, South Africa
 The Arabella Sheraton, South Africa
 The Cullinan Hotel, South Africa
 The Peninsular All-Suite Hotel, South Africa

 The Green Dolphin, South Africa
 Kennedys Cigar Bar & Restaurant, South Africa  On Broadway Theatre, South Africa
 Baxter Theatre, South Africa
 Barnyard Theatre, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

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