Say ‘cello’ to homecoming artist
Composer and cellist Dr. Thokozani Mhlambi takes the Durban stage on Friday, 26 March at Alliance Francaise.
KWA-ZULU NATAL-based composer and cellist Dr. Thokozani Mhlambi takes the Durban stage on Friday, 26 March. Returning home after his stint in France last year, Mhlambi presents the aptly titled, “Homecoming Performance” featuring new material created in Paris as well as some of the old favourites from his debut album, Zulu Song Cycle – which was released in 2019. Homecoming Performance takes the form of an intimate dinner-concert at 6pm at Alliance Française de Durban.
Not only does Mhlambi play the cello, sing and compose his own songs, but he uses his art and exhibitions in order to convey African stories and philosophies. He received his Phd in Music at the University of Cape Town.
In South Africa, he has showcased work at leading platforms such as the National Arts Festival, Baxter Theatre, Soweto Theatre and most recently the State Theatre in Pretoria—where he drew audiences from all walks of life. He has also been a visiting lecturer at universities in Finland (Jyvaskyla), Brazil, to mention a few. And has had opportunities to perform and speak in places such as New Orleans (Tulane), São Paulo, Maputo (Mozambique), New York and Vancouver (Canada).
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Apart from his Homecoming Performance, Mhlambi also has his album, Zulu Song Cycle, available on all major digital platforms. The album takes the song Cycle (kunslied) format of European classical music and applies it in an African context. Mhlambi explains, “In their song cycles, composers such as Schubert took the folk music of German cultures in order to compose concert music accessible to global audiences. Mhlambi does the same in Zulu Song Cycle, using African folk music as an inspiration.
The entrance fee is R100. To book, email: admin@durban.alliance.org.za.
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