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26 May 2011

ARTSCAPE YOUTH JAZZ FESTIVAL 2011 - IAN SMITH conducts the DELFT BIG BAND

ARTSCAPE YOUTH JAZZ FESTIVAL 2011

IAN SMITH conducts the DELFT BIG BAND

Soloists

Adelia Douw, Matthew Ehrenreich, Sandile Gontsana, Danya Pearce, Mark Williams and Lorenzo Blignaut

Saturday 4 June 19h30 and Sunday 5 June 16h00
Artscape Theatre


Artscape’s Youth Jazz Festival celebrates its 9th year with legendary Jazz Trumpeter, Ian Smith conducting the Delft Big Band. Young soloists, who are already making waves in the jazz arena, will join the band in an evening of superb music. They include Lorenzo Blignaut (19), Adelia Douw (17) Vocals, Matthew Ehrenreich (18) Sax, Sandile Gontsana (26) Vocals, Dayna Pearce (20) Clarinet and Mark Williams (22) Guitar. Because of the exceptionally high standard, and the demand for tickets, there will be two performances this year in the Artscape Theatre on Saturday 4 June at 19h30 and Sunday 5 June at 16h00.


With a focus firmly on the development and education of young jazz aspirants, Artscape in preparation of the festival each year, designs a mentorship programme together with top South African jazz icons who prepare these musicians for the jazz arena they are about to enter. Artscape also provides the platform to showcase the work.

In 2003 Artscape Audience Development and Education included the Youth Jazz Festival as an extension of their annual Classical Youth Music Festival, which began in 1971 - to give young instrumental soloists and singers the opportunity of performing with a professional orchestra. The 2011 Youth Jazz Festival is following the same concept with Ian Smith and the Delft Big Band.


Under the directorship of Ian Smith, the Delft Big Band started in August 2008 as an initiative by the Department of Social Development and NGO Cape Outdoor Adventure Service and Training. This development programme is targeted at vulnerable youth from high schools in Leiden, Rosendal, Voorbrug and the local community. Through this programme, which has early intervention as a core element, music is used as a vehicle to equip the youth with valuable life-skills.


More than 100 learners from these areas participate in the programme of which more advanced musicians make up the Delft Big Band. This band has already performed to great acclaim at a number of high-profile events including the Sekunjalo Edujazz and the Cape Town Big Band Festival at the Baxter, where they received standing ovations. Other concerts include the Community Jazz Festival in Gugulethu for the Amy Biehl Foundation, and various performances, at the City Hall, which included The Brass Band Pops and concerts with the American Palm Springs Band. The band recently combined with the SA Army Band in concert at the V and A Waterfront Amphitheatre, performed at the Arts and Culture Conference at the CTICC and more high-profile government and NGO events. They also performed at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in April 2010 and six of the youngest members recently visited Sweden where they received huge accolades for their incredible skills and performances.

Ian Smith recently received an award from the Department of Culture Affairs and Sport, Western Cape for his contribution to the Performing Arts in Music. It was mentioned at the awards that through his expertise as a teacher of music, one of the highlights of his skills transfer is the Delft Jazz Band.


In the pic above- Youngest Band Members with Ian Smith, who recently went to Sweden

Marlene le Roux, director of Artscape Audience Development and Education said: ‘The Arts is a natural catalyst to ensure that young people develop the ethics of self-discipline while gaining confidence as they build and believe in their ability. Not only does the Jazz project develop musical skills, it gives assurance to future audiences for this genre. The Delft Big Band is an outstanding project, as these young people don’t have music as a subject at school level. They display sheer determination, in difficult circumstances and demonstrate they can achieve above all odds. Through music, the world opens up for them. This project is building positive future citizens who recognise through hard work they can put their dreams into action.
Artscape salutes Ian Smith for his contribution to the Jazz industry and welcomes the Delft Big Band and soloist to the 2011 Festival.’

It is advisable to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. On Saturday 4 June the festival is from 19h30 to 22h00 and Sunday 5 June from 16h00 to 18h30. Book through Artscape Dial-a-seat 021 421 7695, Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets and on line http://www.computickets.com/ - Tickets cost R75. Seating is unreserved.

For more information contact Tarnia van Zitters on 021 410 9803 tarniav@artscape.co.za

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"Jazz and freedom go hand in hand. That explains it. There isn't any more to add to it. If I do add to it, it gets complicated. That's something for you to think about. You think about it and dig it. You dig it..." Thelonious Monk
"Jazz and freedom go hand in hand. That explains it. There isn't any more to add to it. If I do add to it, it gets complicated. That's something for you to think about. You think about it and dig it. You dig it..." Thelonious Monk

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