Christopher Duigan

Christopher Duigan (born 1968) is a South African born pianist, composer and independent classical music entrepreneur ^[1] who is considered, both by critics and audiences, to be one of the leading concert pianists in South Africa. Duigan is a Steinway Artist^[2] and he has played professionally since 1991, performing solo, with ensembles or associates, approximately 100 events a year.^[3] Although a classically trained musician, he has made classical music accessible to a wider audience. Duigan has launched alternative venues for performances, using his own home, Casa Mexicana ^[4] playing in patrons homes, at beautiful venues^[5] or offering concerts via live streaming ^[6] while also performing in traditional concert halls with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic, the Cape Philharmonic; and Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.^[7]

Duigan was born in Pietermaritzburg, the youngest of five children. He attended Pelham Primary and Alexandra High School. Duigan began playing at age 7 with Anette Kerkovius and his music studies continued under Italian concert pianist Isabella Stengel from age 14. At Alexandra High School Duigan did double music, and eventually graduated from the University of Natal (cum laude) ^[7]

Duigan made his professional debut with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra in 1991. Duigan's musical talent is obvious, he usually plays with out a score, its his hard work, discipline and business acumen that makes him a noteworthy artist.Duigan is a living example of an "entrepreneurial muse", who existed long before Dr Jeffrey Nytch ^[8] coined the term.^[9] For over 30 years, Duigan has remained sustainable as a self-employed impresario who has organized, played, promoted and recorded classical music.^[10] His business skills development, his marketing acumen, and willingness to adapt to new formats ,^[11] which now is being emulated elsewhere, makes him a true musical innovator.^[12]

Duigan founded Music Revival^[13] in 1997, the same year in which allegations of fraud and corruption were published against Mbongeni Ngema, another recognized and talented KZN musician,^[14] who was friendly with a Cabinet minister in charge of health.^[15] At a time in South Africa's public funding for the arts was depended on political patronage ^[16] Duigan by contrast has kept classical music in the limelight through hard work, networks and platforms.^[17]

Following the 21 day shutdown during lockdown, Music Revival went online, and Duigan performed regularly from 2020 to 2024, amassing approximately 250 performances,^[18] demonstrating that a public service could be offered while working from home.^[19] Livestreams ceased on 16 October 2024, as these productions could not be sustained financially.