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28 Nov 2011

DIZU PLAATJIES & IBUYAMBO and The Cape Malay Choir Board, 3 December 2011

The Internationally Acclaimed Dizu Plaatjies Ibuyambo Ensemble
In collaboration with Kronendal Music Academy of Hout Bay
PLUS
The Cape Malay Choir Board
presents an evening of beautiful music.

Date: 3 December 2011
Time: 6:30pm for 7pm
Venue: Kronendal Primary School, 10 Andrews Road, Hout Bay

R95 Adults, R80 pensioners and students
Pre-Sale tickets available from Kronendal Primary School 8:30am to 2pm

All proceeds go to sponsored music tuition in the Hout Bay Community.

For more information call 082 3314062
http://www.kmahoutbay.org/
kma{@}intekom.co.za
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Dizu Plaatjies, the son of a traditional healer, grew up in Cape Town, South Africa where he is the founder and former leader of the group Amampondo in the late 80’s. He toured and recorded with them for 15 years, journeying across continents, festivals and stages.

The group took part in the concert given for Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday. A little later, the show Feel the Pulse of Africa brought them commercial fame in South Africa, as well as in Europe and the United States.

The post-Amampondo period began in 2003 with a solo album, Ibuyambo. On this disc, Dizu has fun mixing styles that are traditional or non-traditional, African or western. In the years that followed, IBUYAMBO toured all over the world and, at the same time, worked on a second solo album, "African Kings," which he recorded in 2008. This project relies essentially on an alliance of sub-Saharan traditional instruments with acoustic guitar, with a contemporary approach. The disc won the award for best African independent music album at South Africa's SAMA Awards in 2009.

In addition, in 2009, he benefited from an artists' residency in the Paris area to create a unique show, Umculowethu, in collaboration with two French jazz musicians. In similar vein, he spent part of 2010 recreating the Intsholo project with his musicians and a brass orchestra.

Something that never changes with Dizu Plaatjies is a constant search for new collaborations that enable him to enhance his repertory and inspiration. On stage, Dizu Plaatjies is accompanied by musicians dressed in traditional costumes from various parts of Africa, wearing body paint and playing a range of instruments including drums, flutes, mbira, Uganda harp and the kudu horns.

When not on stage, he has no time to get bored: he is an instructor in various creative workshops in the United States, Scandinavia and the Netherlands. Dizu is also the head of African Studies at the South African College of Music, University of Cape Town.

"Great melodies, good arrangements, haunting voice, a deep knowledge of his regional musical history and a willingness to incorporate pan-African musical influences," all make Dizu a standout musician, notes Canada's "Sunfest" MC Philly Markowitz.

The CAPE MALAY CHOIR BOARD was formed at no. 77 Whale Street, Cape Town in 1939 after an initial concert in 1938 in the Cape Town City Hall, organised by the late DR. I.D. Du Plessis (writer, poet, journalist) and famous rugby player, the late Bennie Osler with 8 choirs in total.

The idea was to establish a central organisation to foster and promote the traditional singing of the Cape Malay community. The ensuing annual choral competitions ensured that the standard of singing could steadily be improved and the traditional songs preserved. 72 years later it has gone from strength to strength, with more than thirty choirs on its roll call. Membership to the board is open to any individual, irrespective of their religious affiliations.

A short history of the Cape Malay Singing Tradition:

Although physically and culturally isolated from their country of origin, they sang songs conceived in bondage. Gradually the settler’s songs of love and life in Europe and of drama on the high seas were incorporated into their repertoire, including a number of songs written from historical happenings:
For example, the beloved "Hier Kom Die Alibama" cam about when, in July 1863 Governor Woodhouse of the Cape was informed that the Alibama was in Saldanha Bay, in hot pursuit of the enemy vessel, The Sea Bride. As the Sea Bride was forced into Table Bay, curious onlookers who lined the shores of Table Bay, Greenpoint, and who had never seen a steamer before were overjoyed when the Alibama defeated the enemy vessel and it wasn’t long before the victory tale became a folk song.

Present membership 38 choirs which makes the Cape Malay Chior Board the biggest multinational, multicultural organization of its kind. The uniqueness of the choirs are that they sing without the aid of a conductor.
The CMCB Choir
This choir is selected from members of various affiliated choirs of the board. The choir has made a major contribution to the promotion of public relations by performing giving freely of it services to many societies, not only locally but also in other parts of our country, including all sections of the community.
Instruments that are used:
Banjo, guitar, violin, mandoline double base and Ghoema drum are used in the comic song; Amplified instruments are very seldom used

The songs fall under four groups - the traditional wedding songs, Dutch folksongs of various kinds, moppies (comic songs) and ghoemaliedjies (picnic songs). The folksong is an important feature of the Cape Malay community and can be heard on many social occasions, especially at weddings, where traditional love songs are sung. These are the only songs in which a trace of the east remains, with the soloist singing in quarter tones and the choir joining in on the European tonal scale.


KRONENDAL MUSIC ACADEMY OF HOUT BAY

On November the 15th KMA Director, Ms Dwyn Griesel was awarded the 2011 Inyathelo Philanthropy in the Arts Award for the Academy’s work in Hout Bay.

In 2007 Kronendal Music Academy was formed to address the ongoing lack of cultural stimulation which faces the youth and the community as a whole in Hout Bay. KMA's main focus has always been to provide music education in as many forms and styles as possible to Hout Bay's under-privileged and economically challenged communities, while fostering a platform from which to initiate racial and social interaction and integration amongst the three very distinct communities in the area:
  • Imizamu Yethu informal settlement
  • The Hangberg fishing village
  • The affluent 'valley' residents
There are many professionals from various walks of life involved in the administration, funding and development of the Academy, and the nature of the organisation is that it requires a creative and innovative approach in order to secure a viable future for culture in Hout Bay.

Starting from scratch, KMA initiated individual music tuition, group activities, ensembles, workshops and community events, as well as a Youth Choir of 65 pupils. Since day one, all of its activities have successfully united members from the three areas and the Academy has become synonymous with integration development. At any given time KMA has a minimum of 40 individual learners in lessons with teachers who specialize in cello, violin, classical guitar, rock and jazz guitar, piano, bass, vocal training, recorder, drum kit, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and trombone. The methodology is designed to be fluid and adapts to the needs of the learners and logistical challenges of the community at large. We have managed to maintain our initial activities and develop to a point where we are also currently offering various ensemble projects, workshops, weekly community singing evenings and regular performances.

WORLD AIDS DAY GALA CONCERT 2011, Cape Town

This year the greatly anticipated World Aids Day Gala Concert takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Thursday 1 December 2011 at 20:00.


Celebrating its 7th year, this formal dress event - with a touch of red - has a star studded line-up of guest artists that includes the director of this event Jimmie Earl Perry, an international recording artist, actor and the first UNAIDS Special Goodwill Ambassador to South Africa. He will be joined by the stunning Dutch X-Factor winner Sharon Kips, South Africa's pop sensation Vicky Sampson, Eddie Atherton, Wolfgang Riebe, Soli Philander (MC), Mike Campbell Rhythm Orchestra, Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo and a host of other inspiring and entertaining artists.

Presented by the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management at Stellenbosch University in partnership with the Western Cape Government Health, this joyous celebration honours unsung heroes, salutes individuals and organizations who have contributed to the fight against HIV/AIDS. It also commemorates the 23rd World Aids Day.

Since 2005 the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management at Stellenbosch University has hosted this significant event. Prof Jan Du Toit, Director of the Centre mentions the invaluable successes the Centre’s intensive programmes have made through education and prevention in businesses, schools and communities, and how imperative it is to recognize the critical role that the vulnerable and marginalized population play in the epidemic.

‘We need to invest in models of service delivery that reach these and all population groups and ensure equitable and quality services that are able to provide sustainable support to the most affected communities,’ says Professor du Toit.

‘For this reason we wish to acknowledge the Western Cape Government Health, our partner this year. Together we are able to heighten the awareness and implementation of the United Nations’ Millennium Goals of HIV education to minimize infections, prevention and treatment to all citizens of South Africa.’

Since its formation 10 years ago The Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management unit for teaching, research and community interaction has developed the most comprehensive and largest HIV/Aids management training programme in the world and the Educational Theatre and Arts division has attained unparalleled success with education, awareness, prevention and voluntary testing across the country under the leadership of Prof du Toit and Prof Jimmie Earl Perry.

In 2004 while performing in Germany as Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar, American born Jimmie Earl Perry was re-introduced to Prof Jan du Toit who enlightened him on the Africa Centre’s academic programme, the shocking facts of the pandemic in South Africa and shared his vision on how the Arts could make a great impact on the Africa Centre’s community mobilization programme. The result was Jimmie leaving his successful showbiz world the same year to take up the position of Visiting Professor and Director of Educational Theatre and Creative Arts at the Centre. Now proudly a South African, this multi-talented artist, who boasts Andrew Lloyd Webber as a former employer (12 years), is living his dream in service of others - opening minds through the arts in order to understand and accept HIV/AIDS as a reality and the responsibility of every human being in fighting the pandemic.

Amongst other artists featured at this Gala Concert are Vuyiseka Dubula, Nombeko Mpongo and Toni Zimmerman, three HIV positive women who have defied the stigma of Aids and are successfully living their lives helping others; Janelle Visagie and Arline Jaftha (Opera); an extraordinary group of young Jazz artists that include Sandile Gonstana, Chad Zerf, Amy Campbell, Spha Mdlalose, Vuyo Sotashe and others; a 20 voice strong youth choir directed by Lynette Petersen and Larry Joe who made headlines when he recorded his debut album ‘Crazy Life’ in Douglas Prison a year ago.


This impressive programme of classical, pop, adult contemporary work is also a platform for committed artists to perform in a professional environment in support of this cause. Along with Jimmie Earl Perry (director and producer) and the hilarious Soli Philander as host, they all bring an upbeat and dedicated presence to this one night only concert which is not to be missed. It is sold out every year - book now!

Tickets cost R120 and available from Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers outlets, and on line www.computicket.com or call 0861 915 8000.

15 Nov 2011

Kyle Shepherd Trio in Concert 26 November 2011

The Kyle Shepherd Trio with Shepherd on piano, Shane Cooper on double bass & Jonno Sweetman on drums perform Live In Concert on Saturday, 26 November 2011, at UCT College of Music with a Special Guest appearance by Mark Fransman on horns.


Tickets: R80.00 (R50.00 for Students & Pensioners)

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!
To book online, follow the link
http://www.kyleshepherd.co.za/?page_id=614
OR Email: info{@}kyleshepherd.co.za or Call 072 351 5204
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VENUE DIRECTIONS
The College of Music is located off Woolsack Drive, Rondebosch i.e. on the Lower Campus of UCT, behind the Baxter Theatre.

MAP Link


MORE INFO ON KYLE SHEPHERD...
Shepherd, who has just returned from a very successful Dutch Tour with the highly acclaimed ‘hiphopera’, AFRIKAAPS, leaves South African shores again at the end of November 2011 for a series of Trio performances in Japan!

Shepherd, who is widely recognized as being one of South Africa’s most influential artists and composers is set to announce the release of his third album shortly. This follows the release of two critically acclaimed Albums namely, 'fineART' (2009) and 'LIVE' Trio Album 'A Portrait of Home' (2010) both of which earned him SAMA (South African Music Award) nominations; 'fineART' for 'Best Traditional Jazz Album' and 'Best Newcomer' and in April 2011, 'A Portrait of Home' for 'Best Traditional Jazz Album'.

In his review of the Trio album, international music critic, Marcus O'Dair | The Arts Desk UK, commends the work of the Trio. "A Portrait Of Home sees Shepherd, together with Shane Cooper on double bass and drummer Jonno Sweetman, creating music of subtle yet tremendous power. Though the technique of all three is undeniable, this is no antiseptic chopsfest: it is music of genuine passion, meditative and stately but always emotionally engaged. It has groove at its very core, with hummable, stripped back melodies on top – and not just in the 'head' sections that traditionally top and tail jazz arrangements."

Shepherd's ensembles have performed nationally and internationally. Notable performance credits include The Bird's Eye Jazz Club (Switzerland) in 2010, the 2010 Ã…rhus Jazz Festival (Denmark), the 2010 Riverboat Jazz Festival (Denmark), the 2010 Joy of Jazz Festival, the 2010 Pan African Space Station and the 2009 Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

http://www.kyleshepherd.co.za/

13 Nov 2011

Cape Town Goema Orchestra – Table Bay Concerto in G Major

Cape Town Goema Orchestra – Table Bay Concerto in G Major
Saturday 26 November and 3 December 2011, 20:00
SABC Auditorium, Beach Road, Sea Point

The Cape Town Goema Orchestra will perform the world première of Mac McKenzie’s latest composition The Table Bay Concert in G-Major ahead of the city’s renowned New Year minstrel carnival.


Locals can kick start the festive season with this celebration of Cape music and hear new goema compositions by other up and coming composers of this style.

“This showcase of Cape music will do Capetonians proud”, says McKenzie, the leading modern voice of goema and its most prolific composer.


He has spent most of this year writing and refining his new work: “The concerto is a chronological account of Table Bay as I imagine it: my impression of its evolution from the time just before the arrival of European settlers, through the time of colonialism, up to the present. I’ve borrowed from various forms such as European hymnody, classical forms and street music – what I sometimes call tsotsi music – and assimilated them into goema. The goema is the heart beat of the minstrel carnival.”

In July this year McKenzie performed sketches of the score in Switzerland with members of the Casal Quartet and other South African musicians, including Paul Hanmer and Feya Faku. The performances were so well received that the Swiss organisers have commissioned an arrangement of the work for a 25-piece orchestra, which he will direct in the coming European spring in cities and festivals across Switzerland.

“The 20-piece Cape Town Goema Orchestra is a synergy of diverse musicians and people, from highly experienced classical, jazz and traditional music instrumentalists, to young church and street musicians, all connected to the rich culture and soundscape of our city. It’s a truly unifying force in our country that celebrates and takes our music forward with vision and passion”, says McKenzie.

The orchestra performs under the banner of McKenzie’s Cape Town Composers’ Workshop operating out of Bridgetown. It will also debut works by guest composers Chantal Willie, Derek Gripper, Mandla Mlangeni and Aykes Swartz.


Performances take place on Saturday 26 November and 3 December at the SABC Auditorium in Beach Road, Sea Point at 8 pm.
Tickets cost R100.
For reservations call 072 500 2204 or email: mailto:composers.workshop.ct@gmail.com
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"Captured" with flutist Monique Van Willingh

An invite from Monique Van Willingh

Date: Saturday, November 19, 2011 · 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Venue: South African College of Music - University of Cape Town (Chisholm Recital Room)

A concert consisting of my originals and some standards
Featuring
Nick Williams (piano)
Romy Brauteseth (bass)
Marlon Witbooi (drums)
Lou-Anne Stone (saxophones)
Basil Rad (saxophones)
Monique Van Willingh (flute)
and a string quartet.


Tickets are R50 & R30 for students or pensioners.
These can be bought at the door. You can also e-mail me at monique.vanwillingh@gmail.com for bookings/directions.


"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

Hamba Kahle Winston Mankunku Ngozi - Tributes

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