The Mercedes Benz Long Service Awards was a touching event to sing and perform violin for. One particular prize-winner told this story as the highlight of his career. As part of a manufacturing plant for Mercedes Benz back in 1993, he and the other workers were excited about the upcoming release from prison of Nelson Mandela. They decided as a group to build a red Mercedes Benz for him upon his release. Without extra pay the workers added an additional hour to their working day in which to complete the car. This man has since stayed on at Mercedes Benz and worked in much higher positions. I was struck by how much a difference one’s actions can make, no matter how humble your station may be.

As a violinist at a corporate dinner event, I try to keep my repertoire varied and engaging throughout the evening and as a singer-songwriter for my group Cherry Pill I try to include a few vocal numbers as well over the course of an evening to add a little something extra. So on this particular corporate dinner event on 11 August 2016 I decided to subtly slip in one of my original songs ‘The Call’ into the awards dinner line-up and was pleasantly surprised when this was the song that got the big applause.

A dazzling Black Carpet Affair at the picturesque Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg for Aspen. Snow had recently fallen and capped off the mountains, creating a lovely backdrop to the surroundings. Mesmerizing violin and the featured carpet added that special touch.