East Rand Youth Orchestra celebrates 40 years
The ERYO was founded in 1978 by the Department of Education.
The East Rand Youth Orchestra (ERYO) played for a picnic gathering at the Bottom of Boden Conference and Function Venue in the Benoni Small Farms on November 10 to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
The orchestra presented the Fortyssino under the baton of Pienaar Fourie.
The ERYO was founded in 1978 by the Department of Education.
This orchestra aims to introduce the public to orchestral music and to allow children to enjoy themselves while entertaining and educating others.
Pienaar Fourie, the conductor, has been with the orchestra since its inception.
Fourie said he is amazed of how far they’ve come with the orchestra.
“After the Department of Education withdrew their funds in 1994, we didn’t think we will make it to 40 years,” said Fourie.
“We managed to raise funds from concerts to keep us going and we’ve always had enough players in the orchestra.”
Fourie said education has played a major role within the orchestra, to build and nurture the youngsters’ interest and love for symphonic music.
“The orchestra supports 15 students by paying for their music lessons to enhance their musical talents,” he said.
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“Throughout the years I’ve realised that our learners’ self-esteem gets boosted by being on stage and interacting with others while developing their musical skills in an orchestral environment,” said Fourie.
Fourie said many of their past members have gone to be professional musicians locally and internationally.
“Some now play within the military and SAPS bands and others are music teachers,” said Fourie.
The orchestra currently has 34 members and their youngest member is 11 years old.
The East Rand Youth Orchestra chairwoman, Siziwe Ngobeni also shared her fondest memories from when she was one of the players to now.
She thanked Fourie for being the rock and pillar of the orchestra.
“The orchestra wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for Fourie’s faith and strength,” said Ngobeni.
“His faith kept us going.”
Ngobeni also thanked their former conductor Janet Dixon for being a mother and supporter to many of the members.
The orchestra recently went on a tour to Swaziland and they played at about 10 concerts while they were there.
Fourie thanked Ekurhuleni and the National Lotteries Commission for their continuous support.
On the day the orchestra began playing at 4pm with a short break in between for listeners and members to eat.
The audience sat on the grass and at tables listening to the music.
For more information contact ERYO organiser Christine Braun on 084 549 7236.
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