Minister Ivan Meyer Expresses Condolences for the Passing of Tony Schilder | Western Cape Government

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Minister Ivan Meyer Expresses Condolences for the Passing of Tony Schilder

9 December 2010

Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, expressed his condolences today after hearing about the passing of Jazz Legend, Tony Schilder, on Thursday, 9 December 2010.

Minister Meyer said, "This is a great loss to the Western Cape's musical fraternity. On behalf of the people of the Western Cape, music lovers and jazz enthusiasts, I extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Tony Schilder."

Schilder, born in 1937, and known affectionately by fans as Cape Town's 'gentleman of jazz', was a talented pianist, composer and bandleader.

From humble beginnings, playing in small Cape Flats clubs and the old Cape Town docks area to 5 Star hotels and Sun City's Palace Hotel, Schilder showed how far talent, passion and determination can get you.

Mr Schilder was instrumental in energising the local jazz industry, and worked with many of the countries best performers.

Minister Meyer continued, "Mr Schilder's legend lives on through his music, and I hope that the youth of today can be inspired by people like Mr Schilder, who was self taught, and had never taken a music lesson in his life."

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