Eighteen student musicians from the impoverished community of Hamburg in the Eastern Cape will be embarking on a musical roadshow later this month.
They will visit Grahamstown, Port Alfred and Knysna from the 19th to convey a message that music can change lives and open doors to self-confidence, self expression and other opportunities.
The students are from the Keiskamma Music Academy, which is one programme of the far-reaching work of the Keiskamma Trust, was founded by international flautest, Helen Vosloo.
The children, aged 10-16, will perform on recorders (soprano, alto tenor and great bass recorders), some classic wind instruments and Xhosa instruments including Xhosa marimbas, uhadi bows and djembes. Together, these instruments create the distinctive sound that has become the signature sound of the music academy.
Vosloo, a top international flautist and recording artist, set up the Keiskamma Music Academy after being deeply inspired by the beauty and vibrancy of the renowned Keiskamma Trust tapestries.
"In the five years since the Academy was started, the students have grown enormously in confidence and professionalism," she says. "They have gained top scores in practical and theory exams and are delighting audiences everywhere."
Research has shown that music education leads to improved cognitive development, self-esteem, discipline, better teamwork and problem solving, Helen says.
"But most of all, it gives these children a chance to dream beyond their socio-economic reality and to make their dreams come true."
The Christmas tour is funded by the Rupert Foundation with support funding from BASA, Alusani Skills and Training Network and the HCI Foundation. All of these organisations have given the group tremendous encouragement and support.
The concert programme will include Corelli's Christmas Concerto; Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition (arr by Daniel Hutchinson); Traditional Xhosa Wedding Song (Ubuhle Bendoda); Abdullah Ibrahim's Bra Joe; Christmas Medley, and Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.
Concert programme
Sat 17 Dec: Hamburg Old Hall at 17h30
More info: Brenda Fishwick 073 087 7307, brenda@keiskamma.org
Mon 19 Dec: Grahamstown Cathedral Lunch Hour Concert at 13h00
More info: Brenda Fishwick 073 087 7307, brenda@keiskamma.org
Mon 19 Dec: Port Alfred "Richmond House" at 18h30
More info: Sue Gordon 082 456 7437, gordofam@iafrica.com
Wed 21 Dec and Thurs 22 Dec
Knysna Waterfront: The Boardwalk 11h00-13h00
Friday 23 Dec: Turbine Hotel oyster bar (opening December 2011!) and Island Café, Thesin Island, 12:30pm - 2pm
Website: www.turbinehotel.co.za Tel: 044 302 5746 E-mail: reservations@turbinehotel.co.za
