SAMRO INTRODUCES APPLICATION FEE

 

SAMRO introduces an application fee for new Members from June 1, 2023.

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) will, for the first time, introduce a once-off application fee for musicians who wish to join the organisation, which will be used to cover the administration costs of processing new membership applications. This application fee is not applicable to current SAMRO members.

The non-refundable application fee for first-time applicants will be R100 for composers and authors and R500 for publishers and will come into effect from June 1, 2023.

Over the past few years, SAMRO experienced a significant increase in the number of new member applications. In 2018 alone, SAMRO received 10,000 new applications. Over the years that followed, the organisation experienced even more growth, with an average of 20,000 registrations per year. “We have seen a spike in applications, which places additional pressure on the organisation and existing members who have to carry the costs of this influx of new members.

“The organisation’s resources, both time and money, directed at processing and registering new members, represents a considerable opportunity cost to existing SAMRO members,” says SAMRO CEO Annebell Lebethe.

“The once-off fee is nominal, and it will alleviate the burden from current SAMRO members. We are not attempting to dissuade musicians from becoming members but rather fulfilling our duty to guarantee that our existing members receive the most benefit and efficient service from SAMRO,” Lebethe adds.

SAMRO is an organisation that administers the Performing Rights on behalf of its members, who are music composers, authors, and publishers and currently represents 170,217 members. Of these, only 24,183 (14%) are earning members, who are Associate and Full Members, meaning that 14% of members are inadvertently covering the administration costs of processing new member applications.

Lebethe says that while it is not unusual for membership-based organisations to charge some type of registration or application fee, the move is also a measure in response to members’ requests for SAMRO to reduce its operating costs and thus maximise value for them.

The organisation is committed to enhancing members’ service levels, creating additional value, and upholding fairness, integrity, and inclusivity principles in all its operations.

For more information on SAMRO visit https://www.samro.org.za/

 

DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR TO HOST MUSIC IN THE CITY 2023 EXTRAVAGANZA

 

The Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS) is pleased to announce Drakensberg Boys Choir Music in the City 2023, a four-day concert series to be held at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg, with the main gala performances in The Mandela on June 23 and 24, 2023.

DBCS Executive Head, Dave Cato, highlights that the school's internationally acclaimed programme combines the art of choral singing and performance with rigorous academic training. The boys who leave DBCS do so as well-adjusted young men who are adequately equipped to face the challenges of their late high school years and beyond.

According to Cato, "Nothing unites a nation like music. The Drakensberg Boys' Choir, a truly South African culture asset also fondly known as Drakies, is blessed and fortunate to bring choral and music lovers across the globe the most beautiful and entertaining music, either through live performances, streaming or recordings of their outstanding work."

Last year, the choir returned to The Mandela stage at the Joburg Theatre after a few years of absence due to the impact of Covid-19. What a triumph the return turned out to be!

Audience members were astounded at the world-class excellence of the proudly South African national treasure. The Mandela at Joburg Theatre is ideally suited to the varied choir repertoire. The Drakensberg Boys Choir Music in the City 2023 promises to be even bigger and better. Patrons will be treated to a wide variety of music, from the classics and modern pop with unique Drakie arrangements to the foot-stomping, drum beating, dancing, and pulse of Africa second half of the show.

Many individuals and families have supported the school, enabling it to grow into a world-class institution. Today, the Drakensberg Boys Choir School is acknowledged and respected nationally and internationally for its exceptional work ethic, music, musicians and learners. Jointly hosted by the Drakensberg Boys Choir School Parent Association, the school and the Joburg Theatre as a fundraiser, the celebratory Drakensberg Boys Choir Music in the City 2023 aims to strengthen the DBCS's bursary fund for talented boys to join the choir.

"We are very excited, after our successful performances last year at the Joburg Theatre, to return this year to present a vibrant, bigger and better show for our Joburg audiences. We have a diversified programme ranging from classical choral work to popular contemporary and energetic Afro-Pop works," says Vaughan Van Zyl, Artistic Director, Drakensberg Boys Choir School.

The programme's first half includes numbers like Mozart's first movement from Regina Coeli in B flat major, Eric Whitacre's Fly to Paradise and Amigos Para Siempre, the official song of the 1992 Summer Olympics. After the interval, the Afro Pop second half tells the story of South Africa through music. A live band will accompany the choir as they perform unique arrangements of hits by among others Miriam Makeba, Mango Groove, Johnny Clegg and songs from Ipi Ntombi and The Lion King. The audience is encouraged to sing along, get out of their seats and enjoy the spirit and vibe of South African music with us.

"We enjoy partnering with the professional and talented team at the Joburg Theatre and look forward to a continued strong relationship with what we hope will become an annual favourite in patrons' calendars. Drakensberg Boys Choir Music in the City 2023 will deliver outstanding performances, invitational choir concerts and workshops and a chance for the Drakie boys to enjoy time in the City of Gold doing what they love on the iconic Mandela stage," adds Van Zyl.

"Attending this world-class choir school is often a life-long dream fulfilled for many of our talented boys. The blessing of talent does not only come to boys from families who can self-fund their children's unique schooling in the Drakensberg. It is sad if world-class talent cannot be harnessed due to financial constraints. The bursary fund plays a critical role in giving deserving boys the opportunity to make their bow on the world choir stage, an honour that they would not have had without generous donations into our bursary fund," explains Mervin Naidoo, Chairman of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School Parent Association.

The DBCS mission is to prepare boys for life and leadership through excellence in music, academics, sport, and social enrichment in a Christian environment. The school firmly believes that every boy's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is paramount and is committed to upholding that as a priority.

The Drakies always inspire and delight. Whether performing in front of international royalty, in a stadium packed to capacity or in the school's own Valley of Music auditorium, audiences can always expect to be delighted by their varied repertoire, ranging from world-famous classical choral pieces to Afro-Pop favourites. The Drakensberg Boys Choir Music in the City 2023 extravaganza promises to be a world-class experience, featuring the most beautiful and entertaining music from the internationally acclaimed Drakensberg Boys' Choir.

"We are proud of the young men the school produces, and the benefits of choral music as part of the educational curriculum are well-known. As evidence of this, our boys regularly win scholarships and are sought after by schools of a high calibre when they leave the school after grade nine. We are a middle school, ending in grade nine," concludes Cato.

Drakies old boys have excelled not only in the music industry but also in the sports field and business. The calibre of the old boys speaks for themselves. To name but a few that made a name for themselves in the music and arts field alone: Deon van der Walt (tenor), Mark Behr (author), Deon Lotz (actor), Terence Bridgett (actor), Jacques Imbrailo (baritone), Dawid Kimberg (tenor), Clint Van Der Linde (countertenor), Willem Vogel (impresario), Vaughan van Zyl (conductor), Nicholas Nicolaidis (tenor), Zwai Bala (baritone), Hilton Marlton (tenor), Paul du Toit (author), Phelo Bala (baritone), Loyiso Bala (tenor), Dawid Boverhoff (musician), Jean-Philip Grobler (vocalist), Ferdinand Liebenberg (bass), Michael Barrett (conductor and lecturer), Gareth Dry (conductor), Ralf Schmidt (conductor), Xander Kritzinger (tenor), Walter Butt (conductor), Hugo Roodt (percussionist), Marshell Lombard (conductor) and Jurgen Hellberg (director/producer).

To purchase tickets, visit www.webtickets.co.za on the booking page https://shorturl.at/lzB27

Drakensberg Boys Choir Music in the City 2023 is a collaboration between:

Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS)

Drakensberg Boys Choir School Parent Association (DBCS DPA)

The Joburg Theatre

 

Drakensberg Boys Choir School is located near Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, at the foot of the Central Drakensberg mountain range.

Visit the websites: http://www.dbchoir.com and www.joburgtheatre.com

DOWN TO EARTH – BOOKINGS OPEN

 

Westville Theatre Club will be staging a musical production Down to Earth from June 15 to 18 and 23 to 24, 2023.

Expect to be blown away by songs from Alannah Myles, Carole King, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder and many others.  Familiar and not so familiar songs have been selected with strong musical arrangements to showcase the voices of a fresh and talented cast who will be accompanied by the Westville Theatre Club band.

Bring along a picnic basket and drinks to Westville Theatre Club (alongside Westville Swimming Pool).

Doors open at 18h30 and curtains up at 19h00 (except for Sunday, June 18 which is a matinee ONLY - doors open at 14h00 and curtains up at 14h30).

Tickets: R100 per person (R80 for WTC members, scholars & pensioners)

To Book: Contact Dorothy on 083 776 1754 or email: dorothyannoneill@gmail.com

I WILL FIND YOU: BOOK REVIEW

 

Coben does not spend much time philosophising, or on long descriptive passages. He just gets on with the story and produces real page turners which are hard to put down. (Review by Keith Millar)

I Will Find You is very much standard Harlan Coben fare. A roller-coaster of fast-moving action with no end of twists and turns.

Coben does not spend much time philosophising, or on long descriptive passages. He just gets on with the story and produces real page turners which are hard to put down.

After more than 35 books, including his Martin Bolitar series, and numerous best-sellers, he has proved himself as an absolute master of the psychological thriller. Several of his books have been adapted into popular Netflix shows as well.

The plot for this book is pretty well-worn. The search for a missing child. But in the hands of Coben, it is very different and exiting.

David Burroughs is accused of bludgeoning his three-year-old son Mathew to death with a baseball bat. He is found guilty at his trial and is sentenced to life in in prison.

But he knows that he didn’t do it.

So, when five years into his sentence he is shown a recently-taken photograph of his son at an amusement park, he is compelled to take action. There is little doubt that it is Mathew as the child in the photo has the same large and distinct port wine birthmark on his cheek that Mathew had.

Burroughs knows he has to find his child, find out the truth of what happened on that awful night and find out whose bloodied body had been passed off as Mathew five years ago.

But first he has to break out of a maximum-security prison. Then, with police hot on his trail and with precious little information to go on, try to solve the mystery.

The story is written mostly in the first person, from the perspective of the main character David Burroughs. This enables the reader insight into his mind and thoughts and experience the guilt and anguish he feels.

As usual, Coben creates a wonderful set of characters for the story. From two quirky police officers who are the main investigators, to those who are sympathetic and helpful to David and to those who are just plain evil.

I have read many Harlen Coben books, and he is certainly my favourite author in this genre. And while I thoroughly enjoyed the story I would not class it as one of his best. I felt at times as if it was a little too fantastic and a little unreal.

However, as I said, I enjoyed the read and if you are a Harlan Coben fan or maybe just a fan of a good psychological thriller, then I am sure you would enjoy it as well.

I Will Find You is published by Century, part of the Penguin Random House Group. The ISBN is 978-1-529-13551-0. The suggested retail price is R380. – Keith Millar

ST CLEMENTS BIDS FAREWELL TO RICK ANDREW

 

(Left: Rick Andrew - courtesy of Facebook

On Monday June 5 at 18h00, the Mondays at 6 at St Clements programme will present a kind-of Durban swansong. Reserve your spot now to bid a fond farewell and raise a glass to auspicious new beginnings.

Rick Andrew, artist, musician, author, poet and St Clements stalwart - a soiree "founder" some 15 years ago along with Pieter Scholtz - is departing Durban. 

Regulars will have noted that Rick has taken over the sound elements and part of the Monday organising as circumstances have required dear Pieter to take more of a back seat.

Charlie and Therese Berea (aka Rick and Gill Andrew) are leaving Durban to take up residence in Johannesburg. The Axman (aka Alan Judd) will remain here. The three seasoned musicians / artists / entertainers have been making music together for more than 45 years.

As a farewell to St Clements, Charlie will entertain you with some songs and stories from his ‘diaries’. After this he will be joined by the Survivors to present some songs by Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen as well as some of the Survivors’ own original material.

Come prepared to listen to some prose and a performance of music with carefully-chosen lyrics.

The Survivors, Rick, Alan and Gill, also perform under the umbrella of MUD – Movement Undoing Damage.

Rick and Jill have toured the country doing Bob Dylan, among other things. St Clements regulars will know that the Survivors trio have had many “encore” requests after previous Dylan and Cohen evenings.

When the donations box is passed around, a minimum of R50 per person is suggested.

They plan to be outdoors, weather permitting. (Inside with perhaps a bit of a squash if it rains. But hold thumbs for a balmy June night.)

Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff. (They stay open specially for the Mondays @ 6 programmes)

Be there in time to order before the performance, scheduled to start at 18h00.

Table bookings essential: RSVP ST Clements 031 202 2511. If you wish to dine after the presentation, place your order before 18h00.

Please cancel if you book then can’t make it as they often close booking due to space constraints.

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road. Mondays @ Six run between 18h00 and 19h00.

 

BUILDING BEYOND

 

Deadline for the submission of applications is June 15, 2023, at 23h59 CEST

The Amsterdam-based Prince Claus Fund’s Awards Platform is hosting the Building Beyond Project.

The organisation proudly states: “Our cities are more than just spaces for living and working; they hold communities, expressions, knowledge systems, economies, beliefs, and they are crucial spaces for identity formation that shapes our lives. Globally, the pressure on cities is growing exponentially, particularly on the African continent.

“There is a need to engage in critical questioning; to consider how we live, and what the future could hold. What are the processes that define our shared spaces, what are the forms through which they should be pursued, and who will participate in shaping them?

“Are you a mid-career artist, designer, or creative with 5-10 years of experience in architecture, design, or spatial practice, whose work is dedicated to (re)imaging the future of your African city? We invite you to apply to the Building Beyond Mentorship Programme and define the future of public space and community in your city by activating the imagined possibilities of your localised context.

“Building Beyond brings together 12 experienced designers, creatives, and artists over the course of a year to foster conversation, collaboration, and exchange within the cohort; to support each participant in their own individual practice; and to facilitate exchanges between the cohort and relevant external practitioners. We support practices that engage with challenges related to your city’s public space and communities to propose alternative ideas and methods that align the physical city with the realities and imaginations of the lived city. We seek to foster locally-rooted, critical design practices, and cultural productions that challenge our ideas of space and citizenship, reaffirm agency, and restate ownership. Building Beyond is an alternative educational structure where you come together with your peers to reflect on your practice, activate your practice within your local context, and gather ideas and universalities from different urban contexts - aimed at reimagining the future of your contexts and continent.”

The programme consists of peer group sessions, guest speaker sessions, and two in-person intensives in the form of ‘Lab Weeks’—one in the African continent, and one in the Netherlands—where there will be further opportunities for exchange and to build your network. In addition to this, each participant receives an award of €10.000 and guidance from mentors to work on the concept for a body of work that is outlined in their application.

 

How to apply?

Please check the Eligibility Criteria & Guidelines before applying and check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Applications can be completed via the Prince Claus Awards Platform.

Timeline: The deadline for the submission of applications is June 15, 2023, at 23h59 CEST. 

Only complete submissions received in the platform before the deadline can be considered.

KZN PHILHARMONIC’S 2023 WINTER SEASON

The Playhouse Opera: Thursdays from June 8 to 19, 2023.

The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2023 World Winter Symphony Season, featuring a superb line-up of international and local talent, runs in The Playhouse Opera every Thursday from June 8 to 19, each World Symphony Series concert starting at 19h00.

 June 8: Concert 1 

Anna Sułkowska-Migoń, the brilliant young Polish conductor who won last year’s prestigious La Maestra competition in Paris, opens the season. She opens her superbly curated programme with Gustav Mahler’s Blumine, which first appeared as the second movement of his first symphony. After three performances, the composer removed it. Originally written as part of incidental music for a play by von Scheffel, it evokes lovers exchanging their tender feelings in the stillness of night. At the time, Mahler, infatuated with a blonde soprano Johanna Richter, described it as a "love-episode."

This charming curtain opener is perfectly matched by Chausson’s delightful Poème for Violin and Orchestra, a graceful debut vehicle to introduce to the audience the opening concert’s soloist, the gifted young Dutch violinist, Rosanne Philippens. Ms Philippens remains the spotlight to perform Sarasate’s flamboyant Zigeunerweisen. Mendelssohn’s much-loved Symphony No 3 Scottish, makes for a rousing second half to the evening’s musical fare.

 

 June 15: Concert 2

The renowned Japanese maestro Yasuo Shinozaki makes a welcome return to the podium for the second concert on June 15. He opens his programme with one of the world’s concert warhorses, Vltava from Smetana’s Má vlast (My Fatherland). Vltava, one of the world’s most graphically descriptive works, evokes the mighty Moldau River in all its tumultuous energy and majesty.

The dazzling young Bulgarian virtuoso Emmanuel Ivanov, winner of the Busoni Piano Competition, takes centre stage to perform Rachmaninoff’s iconic Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini as the evening’s centrepiece. The second half of the evening is given over to one of the world’s most lavishly exotic music creations, Rimsky Korsakov’s Scheherazade, based on the eastern fable of Arabian Nights.

 

 June 22: Concert 3

Daniel Boico takes the podium for the third concert on June 22. Boico opens with Liszt’s First Mephisto Waltz known for its passion, sensuality, and powerful emotional impact. Liszt’s ferociously taxing Piano Concerto No I is the evening centrepiece, showcasing the virtuosic prowess of North Korea’s keyboard wizard, Yeon-Min.

The evening closes in an uplifting mood with Dvořák joyous Symphony No. 8, cheery and lyrical ethos draws its inspiration from the Bohemian folk music the composer loved.

 

 June 29: Concert 1

Conductor Lykele Temmingh brings the curtain down on the KZN Philharmonic’s Winter Season with a programme that is bookended by two concert favourites, while offering listeners a rare encounter a major composition by his brother, the renowned South African composer, Roelof Temmingh. Beethoven’s rugged Egmont Overture needs no introduction as the evening’s curtain raiser. The ‘discovery’ of the evening is Roelof Temmingh’s exquisitely scored Clarinet Concerto expressly written for Maria du Toit, South Africa’s foremost clarinettist of her generation.

The programme closes with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1, Winter Dreams as a touching and appropriate final salute to the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s Winter season audience.

 

KZN Philharmonic Season tickets, and bookings for individual concerts, are available at Quicket outlets.

There will be Tea and Symphony concerts for the final rehearsal every Thursday morning at 10h00 in the Playhouse Opera. Tickets R50 adults and pensioners (R30 children 5 years and older), which includes a complimentary cup of coffee / tea.

The bars are no longer open at the Playhouse; however, tea and coffee can be purchased prior to concerts and during interval.

For more information call 031 369 9438, email bookings@kznphil.org.za or visit www.kznphil.org.za

To link direct to the orchestra’s site, click on the KZNPO advert at the top right-hand side of this page.

 

 

 

DURBAN SPAR WOMEN’S 10/5KM CHALLENGE

 

(Right: Dladla Mshunqisi)

Deadline: Entries close June 18, 2023

Participants in the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge are in for a real treat on June 25, with high-energy entertainment, lucky draw prizes and a chance to go into a national draw to win a R450,000 Proton SUV. The Challenge takes place at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Outer Fields on June 25, 2023.

A live performance by colourful and versatile Gqom performer Dladla Mshunqisi promises to have tired race finishers up on their feet dancing ahead of prize giving at Hollywoodbets Kings Park outer fields. Mshunqisi’s charming voice and banging tunes are renowned across the country, having performed for thousands of South Africans since he burst onto the local music scene in 2017. Now he will be sharing his talent with the lovely local ladies in the finishing area to complete the awesome vibe of Durban’s “Most Beautiful Challenge”.

The charismatic entertainer has captured the hearts of thousands with his party starter melodies including his track Pakisha; and songs off his platinum album Umshunqo. His album Umshunqo is a modern-day dance album and has led the evolution of sound with high energy drums that complement the dance culture in South Africa. Mshunqisi will be performing his top featured songs off his album Amalukuluku, Chothoza, Izibalo, Thuta, and Sesfikile and his recently released single, “Samba Nabo” that featured J’ Somethin, Beast & Spiritbanger.

As if Dladla Mshunqisi is not reason enough to stay behind after this year’s Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge, competitors who remain for prize giving will be in line to win lucky draw prizes worth over R70,000. A huge drawcard for the race this year, one extremely lucky participant from Durban will go into the main draw to win a brand-new Proton X50 SUV worth R450,000.

Lucky draw prizes include R20,000 SPAR Vouchers, a Samsung 50" Neo QLED 4K TV worth R 23,999, flat screen TVs, Airfryers and portable Bluetooth speakers. The Durban lucky draw recipient for the Proton X50 SUV will fly to Gauteng at the end of the year as a VIP guest at the SPAR Grand Prix awards. She will be one of six women in the lucky draw for the luxury car.

An added bonus to the day is the live streaming that will be aired on all the SPAR KZN Women’s Challenge social media channels. People around the country can be a part of the action and entertainment.

To enter, visit www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban. Entries cost between R150 and R200 and include a race T-shirt, Goodie bag and each person will receive a race medal after their run.

For all the relevant race information and to enter online go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban.

Entries close June 18, 2023.

For more information like the SPAR Women’s Race KZN Facebook page (SPARWomens10and5kmRace) or follow on Instagram (sparwomenskzn) or Twitter (sparladiesrace).

F L O W EXHIBITION

 

(“Freedom Flight” by Jane Digby. 80 x 120 cm. Pic supplied)

The Gallery at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre presents a new exhibition titled F L O W

Officially opening on June 1, 2023, at 18h00, it will run until July 30, 2023.

Going with the flow is what life’s all about here, on the North Coast!:

Flow - the steady and continuous movement of something/somebody in one direction.  

Flow - the mental state in which a person is engaged in an activity where they are fully immersed with a feeling of energised focus, involvement, and significance in the process of the activity.

As in life, as in the sea and in creativity, it is wiser to go with the flow than to fight against it.

Poet and philosopher Mark Nepo says “In life as in water, when we curl up or flail we sink.  When we spread and go still, we are carried by the largest sea of all: the sea of grace that flows steadily beneath the turmoil of events.   And just as fish can’t see the ocean they live in, we can’t quite see the spirit that sustains us.” 

The Gallery is proud to present a collaboration of South African artists with a wide range of mediums and styles creating another visual feast, “FLOW”, for the community during this winter holiday season on the North Coast. Relax and unwind while you experience the atmosphere created by art and design, in all its forms, at The Studios, Ballito Lifestyle Centre.

2D Artists - Leigh Bisset, Jabulani Cele, Kerry Michau, Pippa Birkett, Mandy McKay (CT), Rayne Hampson, Kim Pereira, Guilia Forman, Natalie Deeb, Shirley Brandon, Gift Dlamini, David Wachania, Irene Webb and Jane Digby

3D Artists - Marke Meyer, Sarah Richards, Seth Falconer, Kwanele Sishi, Phumlani Nyawo, The Dlamini Collection, Samantha Pitout, Sharon Paterson, Lindsay Phillipa and Lapis Lazuli

Ballito Lifestyle Centre, The Studios celebrates First Thursday on June 1 - an all-day event, from 09h00 until 20h00 with bespoke stores offering all sorts of specials. From 18h00, live music by the incredible Afritude will get you jiving.  And there will be a dance performance by the FootworX Dance Company, wine tasting by TOPS Spar, Pizza Bae will be serving delicious food, drinks from Alchemy Gin Bar and to top it all - ice cream by SCOOP.

The Gallery is situated within The Studios, opposite Weylandts at Ballito Lifestyle Centre.

Daily opening hours are 09h00 until 17h00 seven days a week.

Follow The Gallery on Instagram and Facebook

@thegallerylifestyle  and  @lifestylecentreballito

The Gallery WhatsApp no. 072 245 8691 or 082 486 2126

 

BBC STUDIOS LINE-UP

BBC Studios is keeping viewers warm and entertained this winter with a great line-up filled with entertainment for the whole family!

On BBC Brit gameshow lovers can lookout for the brand-new premiere of The Chase. Hosted by English actor and presenter, Bradley Walsh – the gameshow sees four strangers team up in the hope that together they can take on the Chase, a brainbox of the highest order. The contestants must pit their wits against the Chaser, a ruthless quiz genius determined to stop them winning the cash prize.

Drama and comedy enthusiasts can also lookout for a new season of Miss Scarlett and The Duke and the return of comedy drama Ghosts.

BBC Earth will continue to share the incredible wonders of the universe on Ben fogle: Lost Worlds , the all-new Birds of Paradise: The Ultimate Quest, World’s Most Dangerous Roads and a brand new four part series, Spy in the Ocean.

Whether you’re into the property market or simply intrigued by some of the most opulent properties in Joburg, viewers will be happy to hear that South Africa's first property-reality TV series, Listing Jozi returns to BBC Lifestyle for a second season. This season sees the familiar season 1 agents stepping things up a notch or two as the current buyer’s market explodes for the greater affluent Joburg suburbs and introduces a dynamic new agent, Wilhelm Khumalo.

Here’s what to look forward to on BBC Brit, Earth, Lifestyle, CBeebies and UKTV: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fi1st0jjo4hiapz/AABswGKFb4H4P_i84JTTUn93a?dl=0

COMEDY AND JAZZ

 

Next Wednesday May 31, 2023, at 17h30, The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents Comedy and Jazz.

Comedy and Jazz is an infusion of Comedy and Jazz music. This event is aimed at giving UKZN Students who have a creative gift a platform to express it in front of a live audience of fellow students and people from outside the University community. It is a platform for upcoming artists from UKZN that gives them a chance to perform alongside experienced comedians and musicians.

The show is hosted by UKZN graduate and multi award-winning comedian Kwanda Radebe who is popularly known as KR. KR will host a different line up of brilliant comedians.

The show uses humour and music to heal the audience from anxiety and stresses that come with life. It is the best combination of the arts. Comedy + Jazz.

The Debut show features UKZN Jazz Ensemble on the music, and Moemish and Arnotte Payne.

For more information contact Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za

I HEART MARKET - WINTER WARMTH MARKET

 

As winter approaches when the skies turn a brilliant azure blue, and KwaZulu-Natal begins to boast the best weather on the planet, the upcoming I heart Market, on Saturday, June 3 at Sugar Rush Park in Ballito promises a delightful smorgasbord of winter warmth goodies for the whole family.

The I Heart Market is one of South Africa’s most iconic artisanal retail destinations and a true outing for all. Situated at Sugar Rush Park in Ballito with its expansive lawns, trails, and exciting adventure experiences, as well as a wide array of fun children's activities, and inviting eateries, the Market is a welcome respite from the busy shopping mall. Safe and secure with plenty of space for little ones to rush around, teens to go adventuring, and enjoy the outdoors, while the adults enjoy some well-deserved retail therapy and downtime.

The market is a haven where one can take a stroll, and connect with talented artists, crafters, and artisans who pour their love and care into their creations. The traders have curated a collection of exquisite winter treasures crafted and specially designed for the winter months.

Discover an exciting new range of women's clothing, swag for both kids and adults, unique décor items, handbags and shoes, accessories, and designer jewellery. Indulge in mouth-watering biltong and cured meats, sausage rolls, freshly baked sourdough and other freshly baked goods, delectable nut butters, and preserve that will tantalize your taste buds. And there are delicious mouth-watering culinary offerings to eat in, or takeaways to round off the outing. 

You can find the I heart Market at Sugar Rush, next to Collisheen Estate in Ballito. The venue also has a restaurant, a kids' play area, a mini-train, a reptile park, the thrilling Jump Park for the little ones, the breathtaking Tree Trails obstacle course, and a Park Run every Saturday morning.

The Market runs on June 3 from 08h30 to 14h00 at Sugar Rush Park, Ballito, North Coast Secure parking. Free Entrance.

For more information, or to enquire about possible trading, contact info@iheartmkt.com

BAROQUE 2000 JUNE CONCERT

The next Baroque 2000 concert will take place on June 4 at 11h30 at The Church of the Mariannhill Monastery

Programme is titled Flamboyant Italian virtuosity and features the following programme:

Corelli - Concerto Grosso Op6 No5

Caldara - Sinfonia concertata in C major

Albinoni - Sinfonia in G major

Sammartini - Sinfonia in D major

Geminiani - Concerto grosso in D major

Tickets at the door @ R170. Children enter free.

The Monastery Tea Garden will be open for refreshments and light meals. There is ample, free and secure parking.

Contact: Michel. sursouth@iafrica.com 082 303 5241

 

CHRISTOPHER DUIGAN CONCERT SERIES

 

Here’s the latest in Christopher Duigan’s forthcoming programme:

 WOODGROVE - Community Centre

June 1 at 15h30 - R100

 

BALLITO - Ashton International College

June 4 at 15h00. R150 includes tea and cake at interval

NB: Duigan says: “Please note: this will be our last concert at Ashton and we are looking for a new venue. Please contact me if you have any great suggestions or email me requesting your requirements! WhatsApp 0834174473

  

Chamberlain Music Centre

Duigan has been honoured to be invited to present a series of concerts at the new Chamberlain Music Centre at Hilton College. “A wonderful new auditorium and new possibility for the long-standing tradition of Music Revival’s Sunday concerts. And all in a superb setting!”

He adds: “I will be playing a very exciting and impressive selection including a number of compositions by Liszt - La campanella, Mephisto Waltz No. 1 and Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, plus music by Scarlattti, Rachmaninoff Etudes-tableaux and Preludes, and Beethoven’s ‘Tempest’ Sonata.”

The concert takes place on May 28 at 15h00 in the Chamberlain Music Centre - Hilton College. Tickets: R150, available through Quicket

 

The Royal Symphony Concert

The Royal Symphony Concert at the Royal Show takes place on Sunday, May 28, 2023, from 10h30 at the Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg. The KZN Youth Orchestra takes to the stage at 10h30. Hilton-based Grace Botha joins the orchestra as vocal soloist, and leading KZN-born soprano Nozuko Teto is featured in a brief performance with Christopher Duigan at the piano.

 

 

INAUGURAL 031 FESTIVAL

 (Above: Cara Roberts; Aaron Mcilroy; Kaylee Mcilroy; Patrick Kenny. Front: Mpilo “Straw” Nzimande & Bryan Hiles. Pic by Illa Thompson)

The Durban Theatre community is excited to announce the inaugural family-friendly 031 Theatre Festival at the great new Bridge Theatre at Northlands Primary School in Durban North from June 16 to 18, 2023.

The theatre festival has been spearheaded by Aaron McIlroy (MACBOB Productions) and Michael Broderick (Theatresmiths) and will feature various productions that are performing at this year’s National Arts Festival in Makhanda / Grahamstown. The festival has been carefully curated to ensure that there is something for theatre lovers of every age.

 

The Great Big Enormous Turnip

There are two productions for young theatre lovers: The Great Big Enormous Turnip - a happy, hilarious, vigorous, wild 40-minute romp through the deep dark woods – suitable for the whole family Staring Bryan Hiles and Cara Roberts (and various audience members). (All ages)

Performances:

June 16 @ 12h00 (45 mins)

June 17 @ 12h00 (45 mins)

June 18 @ 12h00 (45 mins)

 

The Adventure of Who

Inspired by The Never-Ending Story, The Adventure of Who is a magical quest through a mystical land, written and performed by Kaylee McIlroy. (PG 5)

Performances:

June 16 @ 14h00 (45 mins)

June 17 @ 14h00 (45 mins)

 

A Vegan Killed My Marriage

For grown-ups: A Vegan Killed My Marriage is written and directed by multi award-winning film director, Craig Friemond, and stars comedian Aaron McIlroy. (PG 12)

Performances:

June 16 @ 18h00 (55 mins)

June 17 @ 18h00 (55 mins)

 

Yesterday’s Hero

Yesterday’s Hero stars Ovation Award winner Patrick Kenny as a hapless soap opera doctor who accidentally kills a local crime boss - an hilarious dive into the privileges and pitfalls of minor celebrity. Written by Kenny and directed by award-winning comedian, Aaron McIlroy. (PG 10)

Performances

June 16 @ 20h00 (55 mins)

June 17 @ 20h00 (55 mins)

 

The Flame in The Snow

Finally, The Flame in The Snow, the hidden affair between two of South Africa’s most prolific writers’- letters written between Andre Brink and Ingrid Jonker - their passion, their heartache, and their ultimate devastation as their gripping love affair unfolds. This poignant, raw celebration of the power of the written word, is directed by Bryan Hiles and performed by Cara Roberts and Mpilo Nzimande. (16+)

Only one performance:  June 18 at 14h00 (70 mins)

 

All shows are R100 (excluding booking fee) and are available through Webtickets

Secure parking available. Refreshments and snacks on sale

Northlands Primary is situated at 20 Gleneagles Drive, Durban North.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARTSMART!

 (Right: Pic by Val Adamson)

Today, May 24, marks my website artSMart’s 24^th birthday! 

I can’t believe we have come so far and managed to stay on track despite the economic situation. My immense gratitude to those organisations who have advertised on artSMart.

I would like to take this opportunity to make a plea for more advertisers as this income goes towards covering the basic needs of running the website.

My huge thanks go to Riaan Timson who handles the artSMart Facebook page and Les Juby from Webpro who is the site’s manager, not to mention my special PA, Pauline Dalais.

Topping the list are those who voluntarily help me with all aspects such as admin and the reviewing of concerts, theatre/dance productions and books. Your support is inestimable as I take no income from artSMart.

It is good to see more growth lately on the arts scene as performers and artists are moving forward with determination, despite all the current challenges.

Let’s help artSMart move forward and continue to provide the service it does to the arts in KZN!

Caroline Smart

TRUTH TO POWER: REVIEW

 

What I can say is that the book is intelligently written and presents a thorough picture of one man’s struggle against what went down over the three years de Ruyter tried to put Eskom and its 40,000 employees on the right path. (Review by Barry Meehan)

Truth To Power: My Three Years Inside Eskom by Andre de Ruyter. So, this is the book that half of South Africa would appear to be talking about - the story of a White Afrikaner taking on the insurmountable challenge of doing something positive about the decades-long problems inherent at the State utility Electricity giant Eskom.

The first thing that comes through very strongly is that de Ruyter was on a hiding to nothing, and had absolutely nothing to gain by taking on the responsibility of turning around a State-owned enterprise that was being robbed blind by suppliers and staff alike, not to mention transport companies, tenderpreneurs etc, etc.

Vilified by many high-ups within the ruling party, and stymied at virtually every turn by a lack of funds, as well as a determination by those in power to protect the coal mines at all costs and not sourcing renewable power, made de Ruyter a whipping boy with little to no credibility among those who should have been supporting him in his quest to do the right thing for his country, if we are to accept his version of events.

Nefarious dealings abound, with corruption rife, more and more underhand dealings occurring by the day, if de Ruyter’s account of the cartels operating inside and outside Eskom is to be believed. There’s no reason to think it shouldn’t be believed, as he would have nothing to gain by making it all up, and would indeed have had to have an exceptionally fertile mind to fabricate the goings-on in such detail.

So - is de Ruyter’s book worth reading? I suppose that depends on what you want to get out of it - I can’t comment on the motives some of the high-ups might have had, or the political situation inherent at the time, or indeed whether everything in the book is one hundred per cent true and verifiable. If you want to know how power stations operate, there’s plenty of technical description that will give you a better insight than internet “experts” can. If you’re looking for a breakdown of “the man behind the man”, that’s all there, as he spends some time in the first few chapters on his childhood and formative years.

Truth be told, I was pretty squarely glued to the tale with all its intricacies and cons (not many pros) but that’s not really my job as a reviewer. What I can say is that the book is intelligently written and presents a thorough picture of one man’s struggle against what went down over the three years de Ruyter tried to put Eskom and its 40,000 employees on the right path.

Truth To Power: My Three Years Inside Eskom by Andre De Ruyter is published by Penguin Books, Penguin Random House South Africa - ISBN 978-1-77639-062-5 – Barry Meehan

SALIM WASHINGTON FOR CENTRE FOR JAZZ

 

(Right: Professor Salim Washington)

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents composer, saxophonist, reeds man Professor Salim Washington live at Centre for Jazz and Popular Music tomorrow (Wednesday, May 24, 2023) at 17h30.

He is joined by Bucco Xaba on drums, Neil Gonsalves on piano, Zoe the Seed on vocals, Thabo Sikhakhane and Thuto Mosemme on bass.

The doors open at 17h00 with the concert starting at 17h30

Tickets: R100 (R70 pensioners and R40 students). Booking is essential through email: zamat1@ukzn.ac.za

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is situated at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, level 2.

ABSA L’ATELIER AWARD COMPETITION

 

Deadline: Entries close at 16h00 on May 31, 2023.

The Absa L’Atelier is one of the most prestigious art competitions in Africa, which aims to recognise and nurture young artistic talent across the continent. Since its inception in 1986, the competition has been a platform for emerging artists to showcase their creativity and gain exposure to the international art world. The competition plays a pivotal role in promoting art as a viable career path for young people in Africa.

The Absa L’Atelier is open to all young artists (21-40 years) who are legal residents of South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. The entry requirements for the competition are available on the competition’s website, which outlines the categories of art accepted and the submission process.

The categories include painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, and video art. The entries are judged based on their originality, technical proficiency, and relevance to contemporary African art.

One of the unique aspects of the competition is that it offers long-term development opportunities to the winners. The competition recognises that launching and managing a successful art career requires more than just a monetary prize. As such, the winners are offered a wide range of opportunities to help them build their network and collaborate in their art practice, while providing them with a unique platform that would best position them within the visual arts industry.

Given the Absa L’Atelier is open to artists from 12 countries across the African continent, four main prizes are offered. The main prize is awarded to a winning artist from three groups of four countries each. The prize is structured in a way that supports the artist in growing his/her brand, and in equipping the artist with the relevant skills needed to manage a successful long-term art career. The fourth prize, the Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award, is given to a South African entrant that continues to demonstrate growth in their art production.

The Absa L’Atelier is one of the most prestigious art competitions in Africa, which aims to recognise and nurture young artistic talent across the continent. Since its inception in 1986, the competition has been a platform for emerging artists to showcase their creativity and gain exposure to the international art world. The competition plays a pivotal role in promoting art as a viable career path for young people in Africa.

The Absa L’Atelier is open to all young artists (21-40 years) who are legal residents of South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. The entry requirements for the competition are available on the competition’s website, which outlines the categories of art accepted and the submission process. The categories include painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, and video art. The entries are judged based on their originality, technical proficiency, and relevance to contemporary African art.

One of the unique aspects of the competition is that it offers long-term development opportunities to the winners. The competition recognises that launching and managing a successful art career requires more than just a monetary prize. As such, the winners are offered a wide range of opportunities to help them build their network and collaborate in their art practice, while providing them with a unique platform that would best position them within the visual arts industry.

Given the Absa L’Atelier is open to artists from 12 countries across the African continent, four main prizes are offered. The main prize is awarded to a winning artist from three groups of four countries each. The prize is structured in a way that supports the artist in growing his/her brand, and in equipping the artist with the relevant skills needed to manage a successful long-term art career. The fourth prize, the Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award, is given to a South African entrant that continues to demonstrate growth in their art production.

The Absa L’Atelier is one of the most prestigious art competitions in Africa, which aims to recognise and nurture young artistic talent across the continent. Since its inception in 1986, the competition has been a platform for emerging artists to showcase their creativity and gain exposure to the international art world. The competition plays a pivotal role in promoting art as a viable career path for young people in Africa.

Entries close at 16h00 on May 31, 2023. For more information, please visit the Absa L’Atelier at https://latelier.absa.africa/the-competition/

 

HEAVY WATERS: “THE MUSSEL ORGAN”

 

(Above Mussel organ close-up 2, Stef Veldhuis 2023)

A quite extraordinary audio / sensory art installation, entitled Heavy Waters (dubbed “The Mussel Organ”) is on show in the Bond Shed on Point opening to the public on Wednesday June 7 and running until June 10, as a companion initiative to the #cocreateMyCity conference on urban water challenges, hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa. 

The Dutch Embassy has invited conceptual composer, multi-media and audio artist, Stef Veldhuis, from Utrecht in The Netherlands to create a piece in Durban. The project is a sound installation of organ pipes connected to a living mussel living off uShaka pier.

Veldhuis, working closely with the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) at SeaWorld, is creating audio art informed by the vibrations emanating from a living mussel.

"We are very excited about this captivating fusion of science and art. Creating awareness around the marine environment, conservation and climate action requires the interpretation of scientific data, and harnessing the power of music, generated by the activities of mussels in their natural habitat, will evoke a sense of curiosity and fascination. Using the sound of mussels could very well inspire people to be more nature connected," said Maryke Musson, Executive Manager South African Association for Marine Biological Research / SAAMBR.

The mussel monitoring site will be hosted by ORI at SeaWorld. Without being harmed or compromised in any way, a mussel, living in its natural environment in the Durban Ocean will have very delicate sensors attached to it. The data from the sensors will be translated into sound through a series of 16 bespoke organ pipes in glass lungs, allowing visitors to literally “hear” the mussel.

Veldhuis explains: “I create art that provides spaces for deep listening to more-than-human perspectives on the world we share. The artworks are meditative explorations of natural phenomena that exist beyond human perception. The aim is to direct viewers to a different way of engaging with the eco system of the sea and promote the use of art to communicate science.”

Jessica Glendinning, Cultural Policy Officer at the Dutch Embassy, says: “Scientists often struggle to convey information to the broader public. They are in need of 'social translators' to put ideas and information across. This, we feel, is the role of the artist. To communicate complex ideas to their audience. We want to give viewers a new way of looking at the ecosystems we exist in. Ocean ecosystems around the world are under threat through human impact, particularly in areas such as Durban but many people do not notice this because they can't see 'below the surface' of the ocean.”

Durban has a significant problem with water quality. Scientist Katja Phillipart sees the mussel as a canary in a coal mine, because they can detect potentially dangerous water pollution faster than most man-made instruments. Thus, tuning in to the animal’s behaviour gives a very clear overview of the state of its surroundings.

The Mussel Organ investigates the state of Durban’s coastal systems through the perception of one single mussel. Being filter feeders, these animals have an intimate connection with the waters they call home. By constantly inhaling and exhaling the salty water of the Durban coast, these organisms can often detect pollutants faster than man-made instruments do. By listening to the soundscape derived from this more-than-human-animal’s behaviour, we gain a new perspective on the ecosystems we are a part of.

Heavy Waters / “The Mussel Organ” is a project #cocreateMyCity which brings together Dutch and South African experts to discuss urban challenges. The 2023 iteration takes place in Durban and focuses on urban water challenges. They take place alongside the Wetskills Water Challenge - a two-weeks pressure-cooker intergenerational programme for students and young professionals with a passion for Water, Climate and Sustainability. Teams from South Africa and the Netherlands will work in transdisciplinary and transcultural teams on challenging water cases. Westskills is an Independent Foundation based in the Netherlands and is part of the Human Capital Agenda of the Dutch water sector.

Heavy Waters / “The Mussel Organ” is being hosted at the Bond Shed, 12 Browns Road, Point. 

It runs from June 7 to 10. Opening times: 07h30 to 15h00 Wednesday to Friday, and 09h00 to 15h00 on Saturday.

Artist Walkabouts available on request

Entry is free and all are welcome.

Throughout the exhibition, anyone can check in on the mussel’s behaviour which will be broadcast at www.musselorgan.earth

 

 

 

BUCKET LIST AT NAF

 

(Ayanda Luthuli. Photo credit: Givethanks communication)

Amaciko KwaZulu Art Project, supported by the Playhouse Company and National Arts Festival, will be presenting a physical, comedy theatre piece called Bucket-List.

Written by Sbahle Magwaza and directed by Thamsanqa Khumalo, it features stage manager Slindile Jili and production manager Nonjabulo Sibisi with young talented actor from Durban, Ayanda Luthuli.

Sbahle Magwaza explains: “Bucket List is a strongly structured comedic play, this play follows the life of an old white man named Paul. He is a man of wonders, surprises, and a bowl full of life. This is a one-hander show which transitions into different stages of life. Paul just found out that he has cancer and is only left with three months to live in this cruel, adventurous world.

‘Therefore, instead of being scared he decides to create a BUCKET LIST of things he wants to do before he passes away, Paul was married but unfortunately his wife passed away, so he is going through this life-changing sickness on his own. We are introduced to Paul’s crazy, naughty, as well as his weak side. This is more like a life story we get to see his weaknesses, strengths, and middle life challenges.

“Bucket List is a unique play that does not only teach about cancer but also has humour in it, it also gives a perspective of how a person facing a deadly illness really feels like and what they go through in terms of accepting and adjusting around their given frame of life. As an audience it does not just teach about cancer but any other illnesses and also shows how short life is and how one forgets to live and fulfil their dreams or rather wishes. All in all, Bucket List is entertaining and teaching at the same time.

“When you first heard the name, you might have thought maybe it’s one of the typical theatre shows but no!! It’s got something Bucket List, you will learn something from Bucket List as audience. The message, themes how it’s created and sense of humour, it was just impeccable!!  It’s crazy because when some jokes came up you act nonchalant towards them but now you will be laughing because they joked about life. You related so much to the show, and I’m sure by the end of it, you will also have your bucket list!"

Performances will take place during the National Arts Festival at DICKS in Makhanda on June 26 (10h00); June 27 (12h30); June 28 (18h30); June 29 (14h00) and June 30 (16h00).

Tickets: R70.