The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, in collaboration with the
Durban University of Technology’s Department of Student Governance and Development,
presents an exceptional festival this weekend to showcase KZN’s tertiary
institution choirs.
Seven choirs will participate on September 14, each
presenting two works, all accompanied by the KZN Philharmonic. The programme
consists of traditional Zulu works (Qinisela
Sibisi) as well as operatic excerpts (Handel, Haydn, Donizetti).
The four KZN choirs are from Durban University of Technology
Choir (Durban campuses), Durban University of Technology Choir (PMB campuses),
University of KZN Choir and the University of Zululand Choir. The special guest
choir for the event is the University of Limpopo-MEDUNSA Choir from Pretoria,
as well as two KZN school choirs, namely Ekwazini High School and the Birdswood
Secondary School Choir from Richards Bay
This annual festival was established in 2012 to provide a
one-stop hub of knowledge for tertiary choirs in the province. Bongani Tembe,
Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the KZN Philharmonic said that this
year, being the celebration of 20 years of democracy, the focus is on how
choral music has enhanced the development of tertiary choirs, creating a life-enhancing
experience for all the youthful participants.
This year’s Festival will reach new milestones by
introducing a Conductors’ Development programme with master classes in which
the participating conductors will work with the resident conductors of the KZN
Philharmonic. A partnership with the KZN Health department will bring a healthy
lifestyle approach to the participating choirs with talks and workshops on
maintaining a healthy lifestyle and even includes gymnastics on Saturday before
the concert. For the first time, in a partnership between Olwandle Chartered
Accountants & Business Consultants and the Clermont Choir Foundation,
participants will also be offered workshops on running a small business and its
appropriate governance. Choir managers will have an opportunity for training on
issues of finances and choir management.
The Festival concludes with a gala dinner after the concert
with guest speakers, the KZN MEC for Arts & Culture together with the MEC
for Economic Development and Tourism, addressing youth issues in South Africa
and the beneficial role of choral music.
The KZN Choir Festival concert takes place on September 14 at
15h00 at Fred Crookes Sports Centre at DUT’s Steve Biko campus. Admission is
free.
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