Connie Bentlage
Piano/ Keyboard
Connie is no stranger to the South African audiences. With over 25 years of stage performance experience and her dynamic, energy filled stage presence, she has been a go-to name in the industry, as a performer as well as a teacher. Specialising in Saxophone and Keyboards, Connie’s undisputed mastery of a wide range of musical styles keeps her on the forefront of the SA music Industry. Career highlights include sharing a stage with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Nina Simone, in celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 80th Birthday at Gallagher Estate. Connie has performed with a number of well-known names such as Neill Solomon, Cindy Alter, Stewart Irving, Oliver Mtukudzi, Ray Phiri, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Hugh Masakela, Jo Day, to name a few. She has also performed for four South African Presidents (F.W. De Klerk 1998, Nelson Mandela 1998, Jacob Zuma 2015, Cyril Ramapoza 2019). She is an accomplished musical director for well-known theatre productions and currently performs with the legendary South African band, Clout. Connie has a Bachelor of Music Degree and 27 years of teaching experience. She has taught privately, in Music centres, High schools and in tertiary education facilities. She has taught students ranging from ages of 5 - 73 in Piano, Saxophone, Performance Practices, Theory, and History of Contemporary Music.