José Dias

Pianist (South Africa)

Portuguese-born pianist, José Dias is a regular presence in all major concert halls and arts festivals in South Africa. Recent performances have taken him to various countries in Africa and Europe, with appearances in such historic halls as the Berliner Philharmonie, Münchner Philharmonie, Beethovenhalle in Bonn, among many others. José is in high demand as soloist, chamber musician and vocal accompanist, and has been the musical director of Cape Town Opera’s acclaimed touring productions of ‘African Angels and African Passion’, and its productions of Viardot’s ‘Cinderella’, Donizetti’s ‘L’Elisir d’amore’ and ‘Bon Appétit!’ Most recently he was musical director for the world première of Conrad Asman’s opera ‘Trial by Media’, based on the trial of Oscar Pistorius, along with Poulenc’s ‘La Voix Humaine’. He wrote new music and took the musical direction of ‘Piekniek by Mpande’, a reimagining of the protest cabaret ‘Piekniek by Dingaan’, as well as for the 2019 Fleur du Cap Awards ceremony. He has been the recipient of several awards from festivals such as Woordfees, KKNK, Aardklop, as well as two kykNET Fiëstas. He was musical director for Master Class, CTO and Pieter Toerien’s hit-production of Terrence McNally’s play, where he also took the role of “Manny” the accompanist, alongside CTO singers led by the legendary South-African actress Sandra Prinsloo as Maria Callas. José is an avid promoter of contemporary music, having premiered works by composers such as Conrad Asman, Hendrik Hofmeyr and Alexander Johnson. He was also the musical director for Braam du Toit’s soundtrack to Oliver Hermanus’ feature film Moffie, among other cinematic productions. José is a sought-after piano teacher and a vocal coach, mentoring and collaborating with many of the leading South African singers. He is a part-time teacher at Rustenburg Girls’ High School and a part-time lecturer at Stellenbosch University’s Music Department, working within the voice and choral conducting divisions.