RENATE                                                                                                                                        
ELECTRIC VIOLIN

RENATE RIEDEMANN (25) started violin lessons at Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre at the age of 7.  She learned with well-known violinist Suzanne Martens in 2003, and received masterclasses from Jan Repko (solo), BjÖrn Bantok (ensemble), Denise Sutton (ensemble) Albie van Schalkwyk (ensemble) and Daniel Rowland (solo).

Studies & degrees: BMus cum laude, andBMus (Hons) in violin performance (University of Stellenbosch).  She also passed all her UNISA exams with distinction and obtained a place on the UNISA roll of honour in 1999.

Awards & distinctions:  L.E. Smallie bursary (two consecutive years), HA Molteno bursary, FAK postgraduate bursary, University of Stellenbosch Women’s Association Award for musical performance and Helpmekaar bursary for academic records. Golden Key International Honour Society Member due to outstanding academic achievement in 2006

Other activities & skills:  Sterling EQ offers her the perfect outlet for combining her modelling experience with her musical talents.  Renate also teaches a handful of promising violin students when not touring. 

Other ensembles / performances (before Sterling EQ):  In her third year of study at the University of Stellenbosch, Renate performed as concertmaster for the University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra.  In 2006 her ensemble was chosen as one of the finalists at the National Ensemble Competition. At school, Renate was chosen as the co-leader of the Young Strings Orchestra in 1996. In 1998 she was elected as the principal violinist for the String Ensemble, and in 2000 she was recommended as the leader of the Intermediate String Orchestra. Renate has also played as ad hoc musician for Con Spirito Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, Namibia Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Fokkens’ Symphony Choir and the Winelands Orchestra

Hobbies:  Renate started with singing lessons this year!  She also enjoys Muay Thai

Family:  Renate grew up in Durbanville and has an older brother and sister.  She is the proud aunt of 3-year old twin girls. 

Birthday:  9 April (Aries)

What you may not know: Renate is a self confessed sucker for jewellery - she doesn’t walk out of a shop empty handed, even when shopping for everything else BUT jewellery.  She also has a best friend of 23 years who is also called Renate (and they look alike)!