When lead guitarist Tiago Inácio left the Algarve Rock Choir to go to university last October, a replacement guitarist had to be found fast.
Choir musical director, Howard Parkin, had no hesitation in inviting Roberto van der Slikke to join the choir, as he has been tutoring the young musician at his studio in Almancil for the past 18 months. “He is an exemplary student and it’s remarkable that in such a short time he has become a talented guitarist and a huge asset to the band,” said Howard. “He has a maturity which belies his age and the makings of a great musician.”
At just 13 years old, Roberto has lived in Portugal since the age of seven. A pupil at the International School in São Lourenço, the teenager, who also plays drums, has been studying guitar for five years.
“I really enjoy being in the Rock Choir band,” said Roberto. “I particularly love playing the shows. They are great fun and good experience,” he added.
At the choir’s last performance at the São Brás summer festival, the girls were queuing up for his autograph. “It was a great surprise to me, but I really enjoyed it,” he said.
“My immediate ambition is to form a band with other teenage musicians. I am looking for people who are dedicated to music and can sing or play an instrument, particularly a bass guitarist, keyboard player and drummer”.
If anyone is interested, they can get in touch with Roberto at [email protected] or if they would like to join him in the choir, rehearsals take place every Thursday, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Almancil. Further details are available from Howard Parkin on 289 356 441, 919 968 768 or at www.stringsandthings.eu.
Sadly for his fans, Roberto won’t be at the choir’s next performance at the Horta Restaurant in São Brás on September 28, but he will be taking part in the Christmas benefit concert on December 15, when the choir will be performing with the Salvation Army band at The São Brás Cinema.
