Individual members of the Johannesburg and
KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestras have joined forces in putting together a
virtual performance of the well-loved hymn, Amazing
Grace.
The video has been made by the musicians,
recording their own performances in their respective homes. The composite
performance was released on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in the hope of bringing
comfort and joy to thousands of South Africans who are enduring isolation,
economic hardship and anxiety during the country’s national lockdown due to the
global corona virus pandemic.
“Part of our responsibility as artists,
particularly at a challenging time like this, is to utilise and share our
talent to inspire hope and lift spirits in order to encourage people to know
that they can face tomorrow. In this regard, the choice of Amazing Grace, one of the world’s most inspirational hymns, is very
apposite to this trying time of battling COVID-19,” says Bongani Tembe, Chief
Executive and Artistic Director of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra.
“The release of this orchestral arrangement
is in line with the message first expressed by President Ramaphosa who quoted
Hugh Masekela’s famous song Thuma Mina
as he urged all South Africans to keep faith and stay safe. The JPO and KZN
Philharmonic’s outreach gesture is in tandem with other virtual performances of
the treasured concert repertoire that have been made, under similar
circumstances, by orchestral players from around the world.
“I would like to thank our committed
musicians as their heartfelt musical tribute is also a dedication to all the
healthcare workers and law enforcement agencies who are working tirelessly and
sacrificing their own well-being to ensure that we are safe as we work together
in curbing the spread of COVID-19 in the country,” Tembe adds.
Amazing
Grace which is one of the most recognisable songs
in the world, was written in 1772 by John Newton. The words were borne from his
heart, mind and personal experiences over the years from a slave shipmaster to
a clergyman. This orchestral arrangement is by Eddie Clayton.
Watch the performance of 'Amazing Grace' at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXG7vFjmwm8&feature=youtu.be
(To link direct to the KZN Philharmonic’s
website click on the orchestra’s banner advert on the top of the page) or visit
kznphil.org.za
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