KZN Youth Wind Band
Durban Music School: Saturday 23 November at 2.30pm
Durban: On Saturday 23 November at 2.30pm, the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Wind Band (KZNYWB) will present Play Your Part Gala Performance a one-show-only musical programme including two moving wind band pieces honouring significant women of Zulu royal history, Queen Nandi and Princess Mkabayi, in the Durban Music School, 21 Diakonia Avenue in central Durban.
The concert is made possible through funding by The National Lotteries Commission (NLC)
The two works by local composer Warren Bessey will be performed under the baton of conductor, Russel Scott, by the full KZN Youth Wind Band, a 40-member choir made up of The Clermont Community Choir and the Voices of Angels Children’s Choir, members of the St. John’s Diocesan School for Girls Marimba Band together with five vocal soloists, a string quartet from the KZN Philharmonic, and His Majesty’s Praise Singer, the prolific historian and poet, BM Mdletshe.
In support of this event, ticket-holders stand a chance of winning a four-night cruise holiday on the MSC Orchestra visiting the Pomene in Mozambique for two adults, valued at R18,000.
Patrons of the arts will be encouraged to purchase a concert ticket and thereby “play their part” in support of the music development of our youth, with the KZNYWB donating all revenue raised from ticket sales to the KZNYWB Development Trust. “We all sense the urgency and believe through concerts like this one, we can raise much needed funds for the provision of music training for young and deserving yet disadvantaged players,” said composer Warren Bessey.
“The KZN Youth Wind Band has been in existence for over 40 years, and provides a platform for youth from all socio-economic, cultural backgrounds to come together and perform at the highest standard. The KZNYWB is truly representative of South Africa in breaking down barriers through music. Just one look at the band and it is clear to see there are no divisions or tensions, simply a love of music across all races, cultures, economic brackets and ages,” said an enthused Kim Matthews of the KZN Youth Wind Band.
The first of Bessey’s two works, “Nandi, iNdlovukazi yeziNdlovukazi,” honours Shaka’s devoted mother, Queen Nandi kaBhebhe, an iconic South African symbol of female strength. As a single mother, she suffered unbearable hardship and adversity but was able to raise one of history’s greatest warriors, her son, King Shaka.
“Inkosazane Mkabayi” honours the tenacious statesman and strategist, Princess Mkabayi kaJama. A 30-minute work which focuses on one of the most powerful figures in 19th Century Zulu history, “Inkosazane Mkabayi” pays tribute to King Shaka’s formidable aunt who is remembered as a highly intelligent leader and fierce defender of the Royal Household.
This collaborative musical event has been a labour of love for Bessey who is driven by the power of music to create bridges across which all South Africans can walk together.
“The Royal family are the custodian of our arts, so it is with all due respect, humility, honour and grace, I am delighted to be re-telling the story of their history through music. I have long been fascinated and intrigued by the amazing tenacity, strength, resilience and vision of both Queen Nandi and Princess Mkabayi. They were astonishing women. Their respective stories, in all their humanness, inspired this music,” explained Bessey.
He sings the praises of the professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment of the musicians of the KZNYWB who will be performing the two pieces, and he is equally honoured to work with KZNYWB’s conductor Russel Guy Scott and choir master Msizi Mnyandu.
Music lovers from all traditions are encouraged to come and experience an evening of glorious music as we ‘play our part’ in support of our artistic youth.
For tickets / more information call the Durban Music School on 031-304 1001 (office hours).
Full Price tickets R100