Five youth orchestras performed individually before they all joined up to play as one mass orchestra. The orchestras were the Soshanguve-, East Rand-, Northwest-, Pretoria Youth Philharmonic- and Johannesburg Youth Orchestras.
The East Rand Youth Orchestra performed music from the movie Schindler’s List, with Adriaan Gerryts, the leader of the orchestra, as soloist. The orchestra then performed The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by Handel and finished their performance with the Savoy Russian Medley.
The highlight of the afternoon was certainly the mass orchestra performance of more than 200 young orchestra members joining in for a performance conducted by the well-known guest conductor, Richard Cock.
The mass orchestra performed the Grand March from Aida, and Irish Dance Set, selections from Grease and Bohemian Rhapsody.
The East Rand Youth Orchestra, under the baton of Pienaar Fourie, was formed in 1978 and have 51 members with ages from 10 to 23 years.
“The orchestra is still looking for external funding for its developmental programme, which enables young musicians from under-privileged communities to receive music lessons. That could eventually lead to a career in music,” says Adriaan.
