Bio

Liesl Marx was named after the character, Liesl, the eldest daughter of the Fontrapp children in the legendary musical, Sound of Music, and her earliest music(al) influences came from her parent's extensive LP collection which she listened and singed along to on Sunday afternoons to keep herself busy as an only child. Her voice, previously described as the South African mezzo-soprano of near flawless tonal quality has a distinctive vocal timbre which she can colour in a seemingly infinite variety of musical styles from jazz, blues, contempory, folk to more commercial singing styles without jeopardizing her credibility whilst performing each song with apparent ease. Liesl`s successful career as a professional performing artist has its roots in hard work and perseverance. Although she was considered a good candidate to study law or accounting, she decided to follow her dream, after an inspiring talk with Coenie de Villiers, and graduated with her BA Drama and Arts degree in 1999 at the University of the Free State which included classical vocal training. She also received the Elsa Krantz award (for most multi-faceted student) as well as Free State University Honours. Liesl Marx can claim ownership to many productions such as her debut cabaret titled ‘Reisende Ribbebeen’ at KKNK 2001, other numerous productions – including ‘Smeul’, ‘Water & Klip’ with veteran Richard van der Westhuizen’ ‘Akteur’, ‘Favourite’, her own production, ‘New Generation Divas’ alongside artists such as Bianca la Grange, Anna Davel and Jolette Odendaal; a couple of children’s theatre productions and a spot amongst the judges panel at the SAMA Awards, to name but a few. LieSl iniciated a brand new and successful theatre in Bloemfontein, called the “OFM Down Stage”. She also launched a Single CD, “Expect, the unexpected”, which is the official anthem for the Good year Eagles Cricket Team. This versatile artist has worked with the likes of Lizz Meiring, Alexa Strachan, Wouter van de Venter and Matthys Maree and appeared on Kwela, Glitterati, DKNT, Gons and Dis hoe dit is met Steve. Ms Marx is the founder and owner of LM Productions (Pty) Ltd. She was also present at the birth of South Africa’s very first music channel MK and was involved at the station as Content Executive. Four of her songs were play listed at popular radio station RSG - all at the same time. LieSl can currently be seen in the production titled Shaken, not Stirred. She developed a business singing course which is now presented throughout the country in association with the ATKV and is also the co-ordinator of the Informal stages for the Absa KKNK 2009,the biggest Afrikaans Arts and Culture festival in South Africa. Her music has fused elements of jazz, blues and musical undertones with social commentary. “People might want to classify me as cabaret artist I suppose, but I would never want to be pigeon hold. I hope to look back on my career 20 years from now and see that I continued to grow as a singer and person.” She lives a passionate purpose driven life, is a loyal Cheetah Rugby fan whilst living in Pretoria, South Africa, loves exploring universal cuisine and developing her own unique recipes. LieSl`s paintings are sold from time to time and she also devotes her time to charity work for abused woman and children. A far cry from her small town beginnings in Burgersdorp, in the Eastern Cape countryside of South Africa, LieSl is currently busy tweaking her much anticipated second album, to be released later this year. After her critically acclaimed first album titled ‘Water’ which was mostly made up of her own original compositions and lyrics – the new album promises to be as unique and colourful as the first with some interesting twists. With such a spectacular reputation as ‘showgirl’ to live up to – the prospective CD launch and new show promises to be a must see! Liesl also made her international debut as director and performer during June / July 2009, when she directed a very successful music production, “VOICES” at the Lyric Theatre, West End, London. The production received rave reviews from the London public. She also performed in London’s oldest Cathedral, the Southwark Cathedral near London Bridge. Liesl was also involved with the training and directing of an opera ensemble, Bella Vocè Africa for the past year, and has contributed extensively to their success as local and international performers. For concert bookings or more information please contact Carien Marais of Showtime Records at [email protected] or visit www.lieslmarx.co.za