Petra Sittig Petra Sittig

For Matea Leko, music transcends being merely a composition of beautiful sounds; it is a state of mind that accompanies individuals through both hardships and joyous times, crossing physical and cultural boundaries. A passionate pianist, Matea invites others to share in her musical experiences through her YouTube channel, social media, and live performances across Europe.

Matea's musical journey began in Zagreb, where she was born and discovered classical music as a child. She studied at the Academy of Music in Zagreb, performing with the Zagreb Philharmonic and recording for Croatian national television. Her pursuit of musical excellence led her to Vienna's University of Music and Performing Arts, where she continued to refine her skills and explore global musical styles.

She recorded her first solo album with an orchestra under the German label ARS Produktion, marking a significant milestone in her career. With over 200 performances across Europe, Matea has played for diverse audiences from Stockholm to Israel.

During the global lockdown of 2020, Matea launched the "Musical Stories" project, offering monthly piano recitals on YouTube to uplift listeners. Her project garnered over 2 million viewers. Now based in Cyprus, Matea continues to create and share her music, aiming to bring joy and nurture souls through digital performances until live concerts resume worldwide.

https://www.matealeko.eu/

https://www.youtube.com/c/MateaLekoPiano/videos

www.instagram.com/matealekopiano

Andrei’s journey with the Demidov Technique has been intensive, involving extensive work under Professor Malaev-Babel’s guidance in London, Moscow, and Florida over the past seven years. This deep immersion led him to establish Demidov Studio London, the UK branch of the International Demidov Association, with the support of Professor Malaev-Babel as curator.

Beyond his work in the UK, Andrei has held significant roles internationally. In Australia, he was the artistic director of Vis a Vis Theatre in Sydney. In London, he directed Waving Not Drowning Theatre and the Wrestling the Angel polyphonic singing group. Currently, he is the director of the Tribe Theatre Collective, whose inaugural production, Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment," was entirely developed using the Demidov Technique and performed at The Cockpit Theatre in 2019.

Andrei’s commitment to the Demidov Technique extends to his role as Director of the DSL LAB, a research space at Demidov Studio London. Here, he conducts classes and works with select actors dedicated to delving deeper into this innovative acting methodology. His profound impact on the acting community is marked by his dedication to nurturing the actor’s creativity and freedom through the nuanced Demidov approach.

https://andreibiziorek.com/
https://demidovstudiolondon.uk/

Gerrit Scheepers embarked on his musical journey during his time as a student at Pretoria University in South Africa. His passion for choral music was ignited by Johann van der Sandt, the renowned conductor of the university choir. Gerrit's initial experience in choir conducting came when he was thrust into the role unexpectedly, conducting the choir for the first time. This experience marked the beginning of his deep commitment to mastering the art of choir conducting. With unwavering dedication, Gerrit seized every opportunity to expand his knowledge and refine his skills in this field.

Gerrit's dedication and hard work culminated in his founding of the Armonia Chamber Singers, an adult mixed chamber chorus based in Pretoria, South Africa. Under his leadership, the group has gained recognition for its artistic excellence and innovative performances.

Gerrit has also taken on the role as Director of Choirs and Assistant Professor of Music at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. This prestigious appointment is a testament to his expertise and accomplishments in the field of choral music. Gerrit's academic journey is equally impressive; he completed a Bachelor of Music degree at Pretoria University, which laid the foundation for his advanced studies. He then earned a Master of Music degree from Missouri State University, where he had the privilege of studying choral conducting with Cameron LaBarr. His academic pursuit reached its pinnacle with a doctorate in choral conducting from the University of Washington, where he studied under the guidance of esteemed conductors Geoffrey Boers and Giselle Wyers.

Gerrit's influence extends beyond academia. He has been sought after as a guest conductor and clinician, working with high schools and festivals across the United States, Europe, and South Africa. His international experience has enriched his understanding of diverse choral traditions and practices, making him a versatile and dynamic conductor.

Throughout his career, Gerrit has demonstrated a relentless commitment to choral excellence, inspiring countless students and choristers with his passion and expertise. His journey from a university student in South Africa to an esteemed conductor and educator in the United States underscores his dedication to the transformative power of choral music.

Kristi Steyn is a talented young singer and songwriter from South Africa who has been passionate about music from a very young age. She began writing songs early in her life, cultivating a deep love for the art form that continues to grow. Kristi enjoys being part of a band because it allows for collaboration with other musicians, which she finds both enriching and beneficial.

She also appreciates engaging with fellow singers in the alternative Afrikaans music genre, the same genre in which she both performs and composes. Kristi believes that Afrikaans music is uniquely expressive, offering a distinct sound and style that resonates deeply with her. Inspired by some of the great artists in this genre, she takes pride in singing in her native language, Afrikaans.

Live performances are particularly special to Kristi, as she treasures the connection she can create with her audience. Her mature perspective on her career and life itself is truly admirable. Kristi Steyn is undeniably a remarkable artist, and her dedication and talent continue to inspire those around her.

https://www.youtube.com/@UCTKa67UR7nryoGRGHoD-duQ

As a teenager, Fraser was inspired by the documentaries of the British and Irish Lions created by Stamp. This inspiration led him to start making films about his own rugby team during his university years. It was during this time that Fraser discovered his passion for filmmaking, which soon became a central focus of his career. His dedication and talent in this field allowed him to produce content for renowned brands such as IKEA, Moët Hennessy, and Celtic Football Club.

In 2022, Fraser joined the Stamp team and took on the role of leading their account with Octopus Group. In this position, he plays a crucial role in delivering our cutting-edge in-house offerings. Fraser's academic background includes degrees in both English Literature and Marketing, equipping him with a unique blend of skills. His profound understanding of storytelling and marketing strategies enhances the quality and impact of the films he directs, making him an invaluable asset to our creative team.

For Fraser, passion projects are the ultimate avenue for creative growth, learning, and experimentation. So, when he was offered the opportunity to direct an interview for the Springboks' sequel documentary, he was thrilled.
This documentary follows the compelling story of the South Africa men's rugby squad that won the World Cup.

https://fraserharrop.com/
https://stamp.productions/fraserharrop

Every year that goes by marks a new chapter in the journey of Kennedy Junior Muntanga, a dynamic dancer and choreographer originally from Zambia. With each passing year, his passion for dance deepens, and his artistic vision evolves. Born and raised in Zambia, Kennedy moved to Leeds, UK, at the age of seven. It was here that his love for movement blossomed, fueled by a strong connection to the legendary Michael Jackson. As a child, Kennedy would choreograph short dances and host friendly competitions with his sister and friends, reflecting the early influence of his African heritage on his dance.

Kennedy's dedication to his craft led him to the prestigious Rambert School, where he graduated in Ballet and Contemporary Dance in July 2019. His education at Rambert provided him with a robust foundation in both classical and modern techniques, which he further developed through diverse professional experiences.

Over the years, Kennedy has performed with several acclaimed dance companies, including the Akram Khan Company, Phoenix Dance Theatre, Humanhood, and others. He has also collaborated with renowned choreographers such as Robert Cohan CBE, Michael Keegan-Dolan, Alesandra Seutin, and Raman Schlemmer. These opportunities allowed him to refine his skills and expand his creative horizons, shaping him into a versatile and innovative artist.

As time goes by, Kennedy's focus has shifted towards choreography and leadership within the dance community. He is now the Artistic Director of Kennedy Muntanga Dance Theatre, where he creates and stages original works that resonate with audiences and reflect his unique cultural perspective. In addition, he leads Trinity Laban’s Youth Dance Company, mentoring young dancers and fostering their growth.

Each year, Kennedy's journey is marked by new achievements and milestones. His story is one of continuous growth, driven by an enduring love for dance and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of his art. Through his work, Kennedy continues to inspire and influence the dance world, leaving a lasting impact with every passing year.

https://www.kmdancetheatre.com/