IN a joint Environmental, Social and Governance initiative, the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) and the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra (KZNPO) treated senior citizens from various homes in the city to a complementary lunch-hour concert on 4 December.
The highly-esteemed KZNPO, conducted by Lykele Temmingh, performed classic Christmas carols such as We wish you a Merry Christmas, Hark the Herald Angel Sings, O Come All Ye Faithful and O Little Town of Bethlehem.
Performing with the orchestra were two soloists, Hlengiwe Buthelezi and the Durban ICC’s Thandeka Ndhlovu, who were accompanied by their backing singers. The orchestra donated their time for the project and the Durban ICC came on-board as the sponsor for the venue and technical equipment for the concert.
The overjoyed senior citizens were moved by Buthelezi’s performance of Indumiso and Ndhlovu’s rendition of Something inside so strong, which received a standing ovation.
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Lindiwe Rakharebe, Durban ICC’s Chief Executive Officer said giving back to local communities was an integral part of the Durban ICC’s Environmental, Social and Governance programme aligned to the United Nations’ 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development.
“Today we celebrate our senior citizens and thank them for their love, wisdom and guidance. Many of us were raised and cared for by grandparents, and we acknowledge the life-long contributions they have made to their community and country; but most of all we appreciate the important role they play in our lives,” she said.
Rakharebe extended her my sincere appreciation to all those who contributed to making the concert a resounding success.
“I wish to thank the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra who have donated their time to perform for us this afternoon. We also thank the eThekwini Municipality who have assisted in providing transport for some of our senior citizens from all 110 wards in the city so that they can join us. Finally, thank you to all the Durban ICC staff who worked tirelessly to make this concert a reality,” she said.
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KZN Philharmonic Orchestra Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Bongani Tembe, said the orchestra enjoyed dedicating time to enriching communities through music and outreach programmes.
Tembe thanked the orchestra for their wonderful performance and the Durban ICC for hosting the concert.
EThekwini Municipality Chairperson of the Community Services Committee, Councillor Zama Sokhabase thanked the senior citizens for the great contribution they make in society.
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