The Endler Hall will host The Symphonic Gala – An Evening of Music, Masquerade & Impact, a fundraising gala celebrating the power of music to create opportunities, strengthen communities and make music education visible, on Saturday 1 August.

Presented by Making Music Education Visible (MusEdVi), the gala will feature performances by the Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra and the Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra, while raising funds to expand access to meaningful music education for youths and strengthen music-education initiatives in schools and communities.

Music education does not only develop musicians, but nurtures creativity, confidence, discipline, collaboration and a sense of belonging. Yet opportunities to quality music education remain limited for many, and the work of music educators often goes unseen.

Music for all

MusEdVi, a social-impact initiative of Stellenbosch University’s Department of Music, seeks to address this by connecting the institution with schools, communities and cultural partners, creating opportunities through music education, and making the value and impact of music education more visible.

Through collaborative projects school partnerships, teacher support, learner development and authentic teaching experiences for university students MusEdVi demonstrates how music education can contribute to educational excellence, social inclusion and community development.

Rather than viewing music education as being confined to the classroom MusEdVi celebrates music as a catalyst for learning, connection and opportunity.

The symphonic gala embodies this vision; guests will be welcomed to an elegant black-tie masquerade evening that starts with a reception accompanied by a live string quartet.

More than a fundraiser

The evening continues with a symphonic performance by the two orchestras, followed by refreshments, live jazz, exclusive auction experiences and raffle prizes.

“The symphonic gala is more than a fundraising event,” said Danell Herbst-Müller, lecturer in music education and founder of MusEdVi. “It celebrates what music education makes possible. Every ticket purchased and every contribution made helps us create opportunities for young people, supports teachers and schools, and enables university students to learn through meaningful community engagement. When we invest in music education we invest in people.”

Funds raised will support MusEdVi’s expanding music-education initiatives, enabling more learners to participate in meaningful musical experiences, strengthening partnerships with schools and communities, and creating authentic experiential learning opportunities for future music educators.

The event is scheduled to start at 18:00 for 18:30; the dress is black tie or masquerade. Tickets at R350 each, can be bought via Webtickets.

For more information, send an email to siyavelamf@gmail.com or bixa@sun.ac.za.