John Woodland

I was fortunate to be schooled at Bishops in Rondebosch. I started piano lessons when I was seven but it was only in high school that I began taking music seriously, thanks to the excellent music department there.

In 2005, my matric year, I travelled to the Oundle International Organ Festival in England for an inspiring series of master classes, concerts and the opportunity to interact with like-minded young musicians.

The following year I stayed on at Bishops as the Claude Brown Organ Scholar. During this time I accompanied the school choir on its tour to Russia and was invited to give an organ recital in the Netherlands. In 2007 I completed my LTCL in organ performance with distinction.

Fast forward a few years: I am now in my final year of study for a BSc(Hons) in chemistry at UCT having specialised in biochemistry (and some philosophy) along the way. It is not for nothing that chemistry is regarded as the ‘central science’ and I am inspired by its promise in the treatment of disease, in the management of our environment and ultimately in improving our understanding of the brain/mind.

I am also interested in politics and am passionate about literature. Time spent in the outdoors, particularly hiking or cycling with friends, is never wasted.

While I have a great appreciation for all genres of music, especially alternative rock and sultry jazz, classical music remains closest to my heart. I have been privileged to train and conduct the UCT Choir, a fully student-run group and the most diverse ensemble on campus, since 2010.

And Fine Music Radio? An avid listener of FMR, I was fascinated by the medium of radio and first made enquiries to join the FMR team in January 2006 when I was still at school. Thanks to the professional guidance and enthusiasm of Rodney, Rick, Victoria and Maggie D, I was soon up-and-running and spent almost two years presenting Winding Down fortnightly.

In 2009 I presented a thirteen-part series on organ music entitled ‘The Organ: A Whistle-Stop Tour’, compiled by members of The Cape Organ Guild. Eventually afternoon labwork forced me to migrate to the evening programmes where I continue to share my passion for solo, chamber and choral music with others – and am kept on my toes by listeners who ensure that I keep learning!

John, FMR’s youngest volunteer, is part of the teams which present Collage on Tuesday evenings (8-10 pm) and Simply Choral on Sunday evenings (7-8 pm).