ANT KATZ

Sydenham Shul and Education Africa are to co-present “Sounds of Celebration II” – a joyous and uplifting tribute to social cohesion. This unique event features musical performances by 150 talented young artists and a guest appearance by Choni G, winner of the title ‘Jewish Star of 2012’.

Representing a wide spectrum of cultures, Sounds of Celebration II aims to foster unity and positive interactions among young learners by facilitating cross cultural exchanges through music, and in the process benefitting disadvantaged learners and communities.

The concert follows the 2013 pilot project in which NGO Education Africa and Sydenham Shul partnered in an initiative to uplift disadvantaged communities in Gauteng.

Education Africa currently runs nine projects that address various educational needs in South Africa. Their most recent grassroots endeavour, their International Arts & Culture Project, has developed into an exciting, ongoing scheme aimed at bringing musical training to a wide number of communities, through the establishment of Marimba hubs.

As a direct result of the Project a marimba hub was opened at Ithute Primary School in Alexandra Township where over 100 children from four schools attend marimba lessons on a weekly basis.

Ten educators have been up-skilled and trained to teach marimbas and an additional set of marimbas were donated to Stoneridge Primary School in Eden Park serving children from Tokoza, in appreciation for the outstanding marimba work being done at that school. The culmination of the project was a concert which was attended by 800 children from disadvantaged communities.

This year’s event coordinated by Education Africa’s musical director Joan Lithgow sees children from ten schools performing individual pieces on nine different instruments and also includes choral pieces and dance.

Wide variety of pieces

The audience can look forward to pieces on marimbas, a steel band, Gumboot dancing, a Greek band, a Scottish pipe band, Japanese Koto, Djembe drums, penny whistles and Irish dancing. The individual performances will be complemented by Beethoven’s Ode to Joy performed in an extraordinary collaboration between all the various young musicians and ensembles in a range of styles.

The organisers are presenting two free matinee performances for 1,500 disadvantaged youth in the Gauteng area. These young learners will have the opportunity to hear their talented peers perform in a world-class venue.

An educational booklet, allied to the CAPS curriculum, has also been prepared and will be supplied to each learner. The final performance, formally presented by David Bloch, takes place on 17 March at 8pm at the Theatre of Marcellus: Emperor’s Palace and is open to the public.

Show your support

For more information about the project and the concerts contact Education Africa at 011 685-7300 or Sydenham Shul at 011 640-5021 during office hours.

Participants include: Asako Kano-Meier, Dominican Convent, an Irish dancer, the Jack Lerole Penny Whistle Ensemble, Jeppe Boys High School, John Wesley Community Centre, King David Linksfield Primary School, Saheti School, St Benedicts College, St Dominic’s Boksburg, and Stoneridge Primary School & Choni G.

The event poster & more details

The event poster, above