UKZN Inaugural Music Showcase

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The UKZN School of Arts (Music) recently hosted its inaugural Showcase concert in partnership with the Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra and the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.

The multi-genre concert treated the audience to a varied music programme that included a selection of well-known and new music, including original compositions and arrangements by staff, students, and alumni from the Music discipline.

Highlighting the benefits of collaboration and representation of the diverse culture and traditions of the community for effective and progressive education, the production featured performances by student soloists and ensembles, including the African Music and Dance Ensemble, Western Classical Music instrumentalists, UKZN Voices, UKZN Jazz Ensemble, and the Pop Voice Ensemble.

Opera students performed selections from a Zulu translation of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”/“Umtshingo wemilingo” as well as other well-loved operatic works.

Ms Debbie Mari, lecturer in Jazz Studies, said although the Music Discipline has been presenting public concerts on and off campus for over 40 years, this was the first time it presented a concert of this scale where all music streams were featured on one stage.

‘The showcase provided an excellent opportunity for both staff and students to collaborate and together we created a memorable occasion for both the School of Arts and our surrounding communities. We hope that this will become an annual event,’ said Mari.

Ms Sindi Motha, a Bachelor of Arts in Music student and member of the Vocal Jazz ensemble, UKZN Voices, said the showcase was a mesmerising experience. ‘I am inspired by my peers, and for me, it only gets better from here! After our performance, I feel proud to be part of UKZN’s Music Discipline.’

Mr Lindani Mthimkhulu, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music, said, ‘The Music Showcase was truly amazing. I enjoyed being on the big stage where I performed two songs, Bel Con Forte and Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man with the UKZN Opera Ensemble. It was a lot of fun.’

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini