(Left: Members of the KZN Youth Wind Band)
On November 23 at 14h30, the KwaZulu-Natal
Youth Wind Band (KZNYWB) will present Play
Your Part Gala Performance a one-show-only musical programme including two
moving wind band pieces honouring significant women of Zulu royal history,
Queen Nandi and Princess Mkabayi, in the Durban Music School.
The concert is made possible through
funding by The National Lotteries Commission (NLC)
The two works by local composer Warren
Bessey will be performed under the baton of conductor, Russel Scott, by the
full KZN Youth Wind Band, a 40-member choir made up of The Clermont Community
Choir and the Voices of Angels Children’s Choir, members of the St John’s
Diocesan School for Girls Marimba Band together with five vocal soloists, a
string quartet from the KZN Philharmonic, and His Majesty’s Praise Singer, the
prolific historian and poet, BM Mdletshe.
In support of this event, ticket-holders
stand a chance of winning a four-night cruise holiday on the MSC Orchestra
visiting the Pomene in Mozambique for two adults, valued at R18,000.
Patrons of the arts will be encouraged to
purchase a concert ticket and thereby “play their part” in support of the music
development of our youth, with the KZNYWB donating all revenue raised from
ticket sales to the KZNYWB Development Trust. “We all sense the urgency and
believe through concerts like this one, we can raise much needed funds for the
provision of music training for young and deserving yet disadvantaged players,”
said composer Warren Bessey.
“The KZN Youth Wind Band has been in
existence for over 40 years, and provides a platform for youth from all
socio-economic, cultural backgrounds to come together and perform at the
highest standard. The KZNYWB is truly
representative of South Africa in breaking down barriers through music. Just
one look at the band and it is clear to see there are no divisions or tensions,
simply a love of music across all races, cultures, economic brackets and ages,”
said an enthused Kim Matthews of the KZN Youth Wind Band.
The first of Bessey’s two works, Nandi, iNdlovukazi yeziNdlovukazi,
honours Shaka’s devoted mother, Queen Nandi kaBhebhe, an iconic South African
symbol of female strength. As a single mother, she suffered unbearable hardship
and adversity but was able to raise one of history’s greatest warriors, her
son, King Shaka.
Inkosazane
Mkabayi honours the tenacious statesman and
strategist, Princess Mkabayi kaJama. A
30-minute work which focuses on one of the most powerful figures in 19th
Century Zulu history, Inkosazane Mkabayi
pays tribute to King Shaka’s formidable aunt who is remembered as a highly
intelligent leader and fierce defender of the Royal Household.
This collaborative musical event has been a
labour of love for Bessey who is driven by the power of music to create bridges
across which all South Africans can walk together.
“The Royal family are the custodian of our
arts, so it is with all due respect, humility, honour and grace, I am delighted
to be re-telling the story of their history through music. I have long been
fascinated and intrigued by the amazing tenacity, strength, resilience and
vision of both Queen Nandi and Princess Mkabayi. They were astonishing women.
Their respective stories, in all their humanness, inspired this music,”
explained Bessey.
He sings the praises of the
professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment of the musicians of the KZNYWB who
will be performing the two pieces, and he is equally honoured to work with
KZNYWB’s conductor Russel Guy Scott and choir master Msizi Mnyandu.
Music lovers from all traditions are
encouraged to come and experience an evening of glorious music as we ‘play our
part’ in support of our artistic youth.
The Play Your Part Gala Performance takes
place at 14h30 on November 23. Tickets R100. Bookings or more information from
the Durban Music School on 031-304 1001 (office hours). The Durban Music School
is situated at 21 Diakonia Avenue in central Durban.
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