A celebration of talent, cultural diversity and music
JOBURG - A JOYOUS and uplifting tribute to social cohesion will be presented by Education Africa and Sydenham Shul at the Sounds of Celebrations II event.
This is an unique event which will feature musical performances by 150 talented young artists and a guest appearance by Choni G, winner of the title ‘Jewish star of 201’. Sounds of Celebration II will represent a wide spectrum of cultures and aims to foster unity and positive interactions among young learners by facilitating cross-cultural exchanges through music and benefiting disadvantaged learners and communities.
The concert will follow 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, the 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 attended marimba lessons on a weekly basis.
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 co-ordinated by Education Africa’s musical director Joan Lithgow will see children from 10 schools performing individual pieces on nine different instruments and will also include choral pieces and dance.
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 organisers are presenting two free matinee performances for 1 500 disadvantaged youth in the Gauteng area. These young pupils 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 pupil. 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. Tickets are priced between R40 and R100 and bookings can be made online.
Details: 011 640 5021; www.ticketpro.co.za
