Coming from underprivileged communities, all three directors of the newly established Northern Cape Symphony Orchestra (NCSO) know how important it is that someone, sometimes, helps you to take a step forward.
“Sometimes it is all a child needs to get out there.
“Music changed our lives. We have a shared passion for young people and their dreams. We want to open the doors for those who do not have access.
“Someone helped me to change my life – a high school teacher who pushed me and helped me to develop.
“People seldom believe me when I tell them I only started with music in high school,” Nathan Carlo, a former learner of the Northern Cape High School (NCHS), says.
Apart from being a director and conductor at the NCSO, Carlo is a music teacher at St Patrick’s CBC, choir director at the NCHS, co-conductor at the Kimberley Children’s Choir, and more.
The 55-piece orchestra is not a symphony orchestra per definition, but the directors have the vision of a professional orchestra.
Still needed to compliment the orchestra, are oboes and bassoons.
“We want to make orchestra and classical music accessible to any audience, and want to work on audience development.”
Hubs in five districs
Another vision of the NCSO is to establish music hubs in all five districts, with an orchestra for each district.
Apart from broadening the feeding source for the NCSO, the focus at the hubs will also be on training and attaining formal qualifications.
Carlo says the Frances Baard hub will be opening soon, with two more opening in 2024 and the last two in 2025.
Furthermore, the Northern Cape Youth Orcestra Festival is set to take place over three days in July.
During this festival, any youth member in the province who can play an instrument can join in.
“Come and get experience of playing in a concert and as part of an orchestra,” Carlo invites.
Workshops, rehearsals, informal lectures, the opportunity to be part of one of three orchestras – primary school, secondary school, and one for those aged 18 to 35 years – and a main concert will be part of the programme.
“This is an opportunity for all youth; and here we want to plant the seeds for the establishment of the music hubs.”
Also, the NCSO is preparing for a national orchestra competition that takes place in George in October. By taking part, the NCSO will see how it measures up against other orchestras.
The directors believe orchestras have a unique role to play in promoting human rights, as it brings together musicians from different backgrounds, cultures and nationalities, and also creates a space in which to collaborate and make music together.
Orchestras also have the ability to tell stories, and to shine a light on important issues affecting the world.
The power of music can inspire positive change in the world, they maintain.
The NCSO is still searching for the perfect spot in Kimberley to call home, and is currently mostly making use of facilities at St Patrick’s CBC.
- The official launch takes place on Saturday (22/04) from 19:00 at the Northern Cape Theatre. Sibongile Mngoma will be the special guest artist.
- Tickets can be purchased at any Dial a Bake store in Kimberley, or visit ncso.co.za or the Facebook page Northern Cape Symphony Orchestra.
