Maria Branco - Violin
Born in Lisbon, Portugal, she started playing violin at the age of 7. Maria obtained her diploma
from the Lisbon National Conservatory in violin & composition and was a member of the
Radio Symphony Orchestra & the Sao Carlos Opera Orchestra in Lisbon & participated in
many Chamber Music concerts & festivals.
In 1983 she came to South Africa to join the National Symphony Orchestra of the
SABC and played with the Chamber Orchestra of SA, the Johannesburg Philharmonic &
the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra. Maria has been the manager of the Promenade
Ensemble since 1990 and is currently teaching violin at the National School of Arts. She has
also a passion for dogs & is a qualified instructor.
Susan Mouton - Cello
Susan was born in Durban & started playing the cello at the age of 10. She received her
B.Mus at the University of Pretoria, studying under Prof Gerard van de Geest. She joined
the National Symphony Orchestra of the SABC in 1983, and was appointed Principal
cellist in 1987.
Susan was a member of the Chamber Orchestra of SA & the Johannesburg Festival
Orchestra. Since 2000 she has been the principal cellist of the Johannesburg Philharmonic.
She loves participating in Chamber Music and enjoys recording on the albums of many
different South African artists.
Judith Klins - Viola
Judith was born in Leipzig, Germany, and grew up in Berlin. She started playing the violin
at 14 & switched to viola 3 years later, studying at both Berlin’s artistic Universities.
She was a member of the Flensburg Symphony Orchestra & teacher at the City Music
School, & the Augsburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2006 Judith moved to South Africa where she started playing for the Johannesburg
Festival Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of SA & as a permanent extra for the
Johannesburg Philharmonic .
Currently Judith is freelancing & teaching at various schools.
Serge Cuca - Violin
Serge was the Associate Concertmaster of the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra &
later of the Cape Town Philharmonic.
He was also a member of the Johannesburg Philharmonic,& lead the Kwazulu Natal
Philharmonic for 2 months – o