kagablog

It’s that time of year again! NewMusicSA, local branch of the International Society of Contemporary Music (ISCM), are gearing up for their 10th annual Music Indaba. Expect a feast of classical musics spanning different eras and cultures; with a special focus on contemporary forms, experimentation, and combining new South African musicians & compositions with renowned modern composers and international ensembles.

Central to NewMusicSA’s annual Indabas, is to explore meeting points and possible fusions between African musical forms and traditionally European classical structures, and to celebrate and nurture young South African composers - whilst affording them the opportunity to engage with established international performers and composers. We, the audience, are invited to glimpse these unique musical meetings; and to experience the thrill as musical ideas across the spectrum meet and combine to create something new, and get experienced live for the first time. A treasured aspect of the Music Indabas is their workshops: Here the audience gets to experience the behind-the-scenes processes of composition, arranging, and performance; while upcoming composers get to interact with international performers on different aspects of their work - at once a sharing of ideas, and fantastic learning opportunity for the young composers.

This year’s Indaba, which is to take place 1-4 October at Unisa’s main, and Sunnyside campuses, will feature local composers-in-residence Jurgen Brauninger and Hannes Taljaard. Performers will include internationally celebrated SA pianist Jill Richards; The Chamber Choir of South Africa, which has shared the stage with the likes of Sibongile Khumalo, Jonas Gwangwa and Johnny Mokoa; the Chamber Music Company, who have been called one of the most innovative and imaginative groups in the UK, and more.
Indaba 2009 will include concert programmes celebrating local great Kevin Volans’ 60th birthday; as well as a commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Haydn’s death; the music of avant-garde Tango legend Astor Piazzolla, and experimental pioneer Shostakovich will also be showcased. This in addition to their ‘Growing Composers’ programme, which will present works by emerging composers, exposing audiences to some of the latest music by the latest names in contemporary Classical music!

For reasons unknown, these wonderful annual festivals of musical excellence & exploration are not advertised with appropriate fanfare, making the Indabas something of a well-kept secret: Be sure to drop in for something unique and sonically invigorating. All lovers of Classical, Jazz, and World musics take note!

For more information and updates, visit www.newmusicsa.org.za and click on EVENTS

[First to find page-embrace in the upcoming edition of Rootz Africa magazine]