The harmonious sounds of music could be heard throughout Palmview in Phoenix as young musicians belted a tune accompanied by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra in the groundbreaking 22nd ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod, which was hosted at Bethsaida Ministries International, recently over a period of three days.
The event saw 10 500 young singers, from all 11 Districts throughout KwaZulu-Natal, descend on the north Durban township, as the choral sensation got underway for the first time ever in Phoenix.
The event was attended by learners, educational officials and judges with the grand finale graced by the presence of KZN Education MEC, Kwazi Mshengu and Head of Department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo.
The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of regular SASCE event conductor Msizi Mnyandu, played for two days, accompanying performers at the competition. Their involvement in the Eisteddfod is part of the orchestra’s ongoing Education and Development commitment.
On average, they visit between 10 and 20 schools per month. This year, the event included choirs and soloists from special needs schools and farm schools, as well as children from primary and secondary schools from throughout KZN.
The annual event is hosted by the KZN Provincial Educational Department and ABC Motsepe Foundation. The Department of Education, Director of co-curriculant services, Nonto Mthethwa, said the event was not held over the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and has made a welcome return to the schools’ events calendar this year.
He said: “The standard is still high, despite not competing formally over the Covid-19 pandemic. There are lots of great voices so clearly the learners have been spending lockdown singing at home! We are all delighted to be on stage again – there is extra excitement among the performers.”
The orchestra is also in rehearsal for their three-concert 2022 World Symphony Series Winter Season which runs in The Playhouse Opera in Durban every Thursday between 2 and 16 June, each concert starting at 7pm.
For more information visit http://kznphil.org.za/, email bookings@kznphil.org.za or call 031 369 9438 during office hours.
