John Reid Coulter

John Reid Coulter completed his undergraduate music studies at Potchefstroom University in 1979, majoring in performance and composition. After a period of postgraduate studies in London, he returned to SA in 1982 and has subsequently held posts at the University of Potchefstroom and later at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg.

During the 1980s he built his own harpsichord and fortepiano and performed extensively throughout South Africa, promoting seldom-heard early keyboard literature. He has also been the recipient of numerous awards and commissions for composition. Many of his organ works are performed regularly both in South Africa and in Europe. One of his most recent organ work, 'O tshwanetse go reetsa' (Tswana for 'You must listen!') for organ duo was performed on a number of occasions in 1997 and was well-received at the Composers' Workshop with George Crumb in May 1997.

His interest in historical performance practice led to a period of study with Maria Boxall concentrating on early keyboard fingering. In 1990 he was a participant in masterclasses under Ton Koopman at the Utrecht International Harpsichord Symposium. From 1993 to 1995, he studied harpsichord with Jacques Ogg at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, obtaining the Certificaat and Diploma Vrije Studie in harpsichord. During this period he performed extensively in Holland, Germany and Norway as solo harpsichordist and continuo player.

Since 1996 John has resumed his teaching position as Principal Tutor and head of Practical Studies at the Wits School of Music and has brought a new approach of historical performance practice to the school with the formation of the Wits Baroque Ensemble. In May 1997 he directed the first performance in South Africa of the concerti for 2, 3 and 4 harpsichords by J.S. Bach using instruments tuned to Baroque pitch, as well as using 18th century performance methods as far as possible. He has given a number of public lectures and workshops in the field of historical performance practice and hopes to achieve wider reception and acceptance of this undervalued approach to music from the past. In October 1997, as part of the Wits University 75th anniversary celebrations, John was artistic director of the Wits School of Music Jubilee Festival, which hosted a number of overseas performers and included performances by many local artists as well.