Arts writer
ABOUT 80 gifted musicians from The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s Masidlale (Let us play) projects will give four community concerts from now until Christmas. The performers ages range from 5 to 14.
Each concert will feature different satellite projects with learners from schools in Atlantis, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Mamre featured in hour-long concerts that celebrate what classical music adds to their lives and that of the greater community.
The concerts are on Heritage Day (September 24), November 28 and December 12 at 11am at the Guga S’Thebe Centre in Langa, and on November 28, also at 11am at Rhodes High School in Mowbray.
From a musical created from the story, A Boy’s Story of How Africa was Made, to a youth celebration and festive gala, all the events will showcase the talented youngsters who have been chosen to learn to play instruments in the CPO.
Since its launch in 2009, Madislale has been succeeding in enriching the lives of youth through training each learner to reach their potential. The aim being to transform communities, build capacity and provide opportunities for professional musical development.
Grassroots projects in these areas now exist to provide really young children with string or woodwind instrument training, irrespective of their financial means or background.
Teachers, from the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, themselves trained by various Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra musicians, teach the children – so completing the circle of skills transfer.
l Admission to the concerts, which is made possible with the support of the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape government (DCAS), is free. Information: Masidlale Project Manager Ash-Lee Louwskieter, 021 410 9089, or e-mail alouwskieter@ yahoo.com