Sweet sound of music kicks of Jewish presence in SA

GWYNN ROBINS

From that small beginning of 17 men who met to form a minyan, Jews have spread throughout South Africa, establishing congregations, schools and communal organisations, at the same time contributing to their new country in many ways – academically, scientifically, professionally, artistically, commercially and economically – not forgetting three Nobel Prize-winners and some Springboks.

The year’s celebration blasted off with a spectacular evening at the City Hall which had itself been opened by the first Jewish mayor, Hyman Liberman. The programme – with Israeli conductor Omri Hadari conducting the Cape Philharmonic, Israeli pianist Aviram Reichert, and music by Jewish composers George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein – was enthusiastically received by a warm audience, who would not let Reichert go until he gave an encore of a recently discovered work by Gershwin.

Solly Berger, co-chairman of the 175^th Anniversary Committee, welcomed guests, including Deputy Mayor Ian Nielson, members of the City Council, Israel’s Ambassador to South Africa Arthur Lenk, Jewish communal leaders and music lovers.

At the post-concert reception Cape Board Chairman Eric Marx, closed the evening with thanks to the orchestra, guest artists, organisers and sponsors, the Graham & Rhona Beck Foundation.

It must not be forgotten that among the contributions the Jewish community has made to South Africa, have been two internationally recognised composers, Peter Klatzow and Thomas Rajna, opera singers, jazz, popular and classical musicians, as well as fervent attendees at a wide range of musical events.