One of South Africa’s most distinctive and recognisable musical ensembles, the Charl du Plessis Trio has played a significant role in the resurgence of crossover music both locally and internationally.
Formed in 2006, the trio is celebrated for its extraordinary musical versatility, effortlessly moving between classical, jazz, rock, pop, salsa, reggae and Latin music. With ten independent albums to their name, their performances bring together different genres, styles and influences to create a sound that is uniquely their own.
The trio features pianist Charl du Plessis, bassist Werner Spies and drummer Peter Auret — three accomplished musicians whose individual careers span performance, education, recording and production.
Charl du Plessis is a Steinway Artist and holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Pretoria, where he studied under Joseph Stanford. With an extensive international performing career spanning four continents, he has performed everything from classical repertoire with leading symphony orchestras to jazz and popular music. His remarkable career includes becoming the first pianist to perform on Table Mountain, appearing at the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie with pianist Joja Wendt, and an impromptu performance with jazz legend Chick Corea at the Berlin Philharmonie. Since 2000, Charl has also been the collaborative pianist for singer and songwriter Nataniël, performing in more than 120 stage productions each year.
Werner Spies studied at Tshwane University of Technology and is regarded as one of South Africa’s leading freelance jazz bassists. He is also a lecturer at TUT and a successful entrepreneur, co-owning the Haloa coffee shop chain in Pretoria. In 2022, Werner was awarded a Master’s degree in Musicology.
Peter Auret is an accomplished jazz drummer who has performed internationally alongside leading jazz musicians and was the drummer for South African band Watershed. A multi-SAMA Award-winning sound engineer and sought-after record producer, Peter has worked with many of South Africa’s top musicians. He is also the owner of Sumo Sound recording studios in Johannesburg and the creative director of the SAMA Award-winning Peter Auret Trio.
Together, the Charl du Plessis Trio deliver a dynamic and sophisticated musical experience that crosses genres and generations — showcasing the extraordinary versatility of three of South Africa’s finest musicians.
One of South Africa’s most distinctive and recognisable musical ensembles, the Charl du Plessis Trio has played a significant role in the resurgence of crossover music both locally and internationally.
Formed in 2006, the trio is celebrated for its extraordinary musical versatility, effortlessly moving between classical, jazz, rock, pop, salsa, reggae and Latin music. With ten independent albums to their name, their performances bring together different genres, styles and influences to create a sound that is uniquely their own.
The trio features pianist Charl du Plessis, bassist Werner Spies and drummer Peter Auret — three accomplished musicians whose individual careers span performance, education, recording and production.
Charl du Plessis is a Steinway Artist and holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Pretoria, where he studied under Joseph Stanford. With an extensive international performing career spanning four continents, he has performed everything from classical repertoire with leading symphony orchestras to jazz and popular music. His remarkable career includes becoming the first pianist to perform on Table Mountain, appearing at the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie with pianist Joja Wendt, and an impromptu performance with jazz legend Chick Corea at the Berlin Philharmonie. Since 2000, Charl has also been the collaborative pianist for singer and songwriter Nataniël, performing in more than 120 stage productions each year.
Werner Spies studied at Tshwane University of Technology and is regarded as one of South Africa’s leading freelance jazz bassists. He is also a lecturer at TUT and a successful entrepreneur, co-owning the Haloa coffee shop chain in Pretoria. In 2022, Werner was awarded a Master’s degree in Musicology.
Peter Auret is an accomplished jazz drummer who has performed internationally alongside leading jazz musicians and was the drummer for South African band Watershed. A multi-SAMA Award-winning sound engineer and sought-after record producer, Peter has worked with many of South Africa’s top musicians. He is also the owner of Sumo Sound recording studios in Johannesburg and the creative director of the SAMA Award-winning Peter Auret Trio.
Together, the Charl du Plessis Trio deliver a dynamic and sophisticated musical experience that crosses genres and generations — showcasing the extraordinary versatility of three of South Africa’s finest musicians.
