The South African National Youth Orchestra is set to celebrate its Golden Jubilee in the City of Gold with a stunning concert. On Sunday, 7 December 2014, the historic Regina Mundi Church in Soweto will play host to the spectacular celebration led by famed Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä.
The concert will see Vänskä, who is the music director of the Minnesota Orchestra, guide the South African National Youth Orchestra in a performance of some of the world`s best orchestral music, including Stravinsky’s masterpiece, The Rite of Spring.
Vänskä is a former orchestral clarinetist turned conductor and composer, and won a Grammy earlier this year for best orchestral performance with the Minnesota Orchestra for the album of Sibelius’ Symphonies Nos. 1 and 4. He will watch over the National Youth Orchestra for 2014, who are between the ages of 15 and 25, as well as alumni from across South Africa and the world – who will return to the place that gave many of them their careers.
The repertoire includes the South African National Anthem; Wagner’s Meistersinger Overture; Barber’s Adagio for Strings; a brand new dubstep styled piece by young South African composers Amy Crankshaw and Methenjwa Machi – Dubyo; Verdi’s Grand March from Aida and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.
“The experience of playing in the youth orchestra gives the young musicians skills that prepare them for life: teamwork, confidence and self discipline,” says Sophia Welz, Managing Director of the youth orchestra.
“I always get a lump in my throat when I hear our national team on stage. These young musicians are examples of the best that South Africa can be – they come from across our beautiful country and make music together in such a beautiful way. They have so much to give our audiences and each other. This orchestra is a real jewel in South Africa’s crown.”
The orchestra has become a symbol of national pride, and boasts the esteemed Archbishop Desmond Tutu as a patron.
The National Youth Orchestra funded by Sasol and the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
The concert will start at 15:00 at the Regina Mundi Church, which was an important gathering point for activists during the apartheid struggle. It can accommodate up to 2000 people. Tickets for the concert cost R50 for full price, and are R25 for concessions, and can be bought online at www.computicket.co.za.
