Season of classical music in Durban and Johannesburg dawns
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
When someone this week reminded me of the recently staged classical music concert the 10 South African Sopranos at Durban Playhouse, a show that I wished I had attended, but could not do so because I am based 600 KM away in Johannesburg, it felt like rubbing salt into a gaping wound. The concert took place on Sunday, March 26, 2023.
Featuring some of the best voices in the country that included an al, star cast. It is not so often that one gets to witness such talent on stage all performing together. It is a show I wish one day will come this side. Many will agree with me that this is real talent that those who love classical music should not just ordinarily miss. But sadly I did. Accompanied by members of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, the roster of ‘10 South African Sopranos’ included Sibongile Mngoma, Pumeza Matshikiza, Nozuko Teto, Khumbuzile Dlamini, Siphamandla Moyake, Pumza Mxinwa, Zolina Ngejane, Sasa N. Yende, Brenda Thulo and Khayakazi Madlala. Thjose who attended report that it was a wow moment for them.
However what gives me solace is the fact that this Saturday, I have already booked my tickets for another classical music offering taking place in Johannesburg, in a way compensating for missing the 10 South African Sopranos concert at Durban Playhouse.
I am excited as internationally acclaimed Buskaid Soweto String Ensemblepresents its first public performance for 2023 at the recently opened Chris Seabrooke Hallon Wits University’s campus in Braamfontein. The performance is at 15:00 on Sunday 2 April; free parking is available outside the Wits Theatre and on the second floor of the Solomon Mahlangu parking basement. Booking is already open at Quicket and tickets are selling with great speed!
The programme features:
- Symphony no 1 – Joseph Boulogne, le Chevalier St Georges (the “Black Mozart”)
- Romance & Scherzo – Sergei Rachmaninov (written when he was 17)
- Brandenburg Concerto No 3 – Johann Sebastian Bach
- Octet in Eb major Opus 20: first movement – Felix Mendelssohn (written when he was 16)
- Kwela and Afro-pop, featuring vocalists Cecelia Manyama and Mathapelo Matabane
“We respectfully request no children under the age of 7,” the organises advise. Buskaid provides young people from Diepkloof with unparalleled possibilities to uplift themselves from an environment of poverty and unemployment. The transformation of young people who enter the programme is dramatic: many come from difficult home circumstances and are shy and troubled; but they recognise that this environment will enable them to change the course of their lives and futures. These benefits also extend to their general education where, because of improved self-esteem, reading and motor skills, their confidence is boosted; and they begin to show marked improvement not only at school but also in their lives
Booking.comI personally have every reason to be looking forward to this concert. Just think of all of these elements when you experience them playing Rachmaninov, Mendelssohn, Bach and Boulogne, as well as, of course Kwela, on Sunday 2 April. The acoustics of this charming new venue, designed by Ivan Lin, are already attracting admiration in the music world, and Buskaid’s unique and beautiful sound resonates magnificently in this delightful space. You deserve to be in the presence of this special gem of a concert!
Seating at R200 is unreserved; tickets are selling fast! Please visit Quicket to secure yours as quick as you can! If you are keen to attend but are unable to do so on the Sunday, Buskaid is hosting the same concert at this venue on Saturday 1 April at 17:00 where limited seats may be available.
I see that all ten of the “10 South African Sopranos” are black. Are there no white, coloured or Indian sopranos in our country? Why do the blacks get 100% of the slots? Is this due to racial quotas being applied?