Mzansi NPO musicians string their way to an international stage
|Published
The Mzansi NPO jetted off to Algeria to participate in and represent South Africa at the 12th edition of the International Cultural Festival of Symphonic Music. Picture: Supplied.
The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra (Mzansi NPO) jetted off to Algeria to participate in and represent South Africa at the 12th edition of the International Cultural Festival of Symphonic Music.
This prestigious festival was hosted by the Ministry of Arts and Culture in Algeria and featured national and international artists at the Algiers Opera from October 15–21.
The group of musicians, including accomplished South African pianist Nina Schumann and conductor Matheu Kieswetter, played and showcased several works by South African composers during their concert performance.
Chief executive and artistic director Bongani Tembe, of the Mzansi NPO, said: “The Mzansi NPO is thrilled to be part of this international festival where we will showcase not only our talented South African musicians but also the works of distinguished local composers, Bongani Ndodana-Breen, Arnold van Wyk, and Keith Moss.”
The tour spoke directly to one of the orchestra’s key objectives: to connect classical music and, more importantly, to expose local music and compositions to a broader audience not only here in South Africa but on a regional, continental, and global scale.
“This experience reaffirms the need for a national orchestra in our country. It provides an opportunity for a shared experience among musicians from different regions and different backgrounds – but, who all share a common passion for music and for the pursuit of excellence. A wonderful example of South Africa for the world,” said Tembe
The role of the Mzansi NPO is to identify, develop, and nurture young and talented South African orchestral musicians and to help outline a career path for them.
This music group comprises some of the country’s finest musicians who have earned a reputation for excellence and innovation in their fields.
It is explained that a national orchestra, much like a national sports team, cannot exist in isolation.
For it to be sustainable, the music group will play a central role in a national talent recruiting, refining, and retaining system.
It will also represent the highest level of a multi-tiered developmental process for young South African musicians, of which the regional orchestras remain a critical element.
Another important focus of the Mzansi NPO is to engage with young musicians and guide them along their career paths through the national cadetship programme, collaboration with various youth orchestras, and opportunities to up-skill their talents.