For too long the Northern Cape has been deprived of music of this stature, and for far too long have talented musicians in the province been overlooked with opportunities.
The first-ever Northern Cape Symphony Orchestra (NCSO), only a few months old, is firmly set to change this.
Apart from being an ensemble that brings together the best and brightest young musicians of the province, it is also developing and training them to grow the music scene and set a standard for musical excellence.
In following a mutual dream, NCSO directors Nathan Carlo, Dingaan Chabalala and Kagisho Matthews carefully started planning the establishing of the orchestra in June last year, and spread the news that they were looking for musicians.
In the meantime, they applied for funding from the Presidential Employment Stimulus.
“We decided we would go ahead, regardless the outcome of the funding application. Luckily, it was successful,” says Carlo.
Assistance is also being received from, among others, the Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Arts Council of South Africa, and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Carlo says the amount of musicians showing up for the audition was an indication of how hungry they are for something like this.
“The support from the community is great, and the reaction we mostly get is: ‘It’s about time’.
“We as people make islands of ourselves. Music brings us together,” Carlo commented.
On 8 January, in a packed Mayibuye Cultural Centre, the Northern Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra’s (NCSYO) inaugural performance took place.
For some of the musicians it was their first time ever to perform in front of an audience.
Before that, on 25 November, the NCSO’s string quartet performed at a gala dinner at the Sol Plaatje University – the first performance under the banner of the NCSO.
On 18 February, the NCSO performed at its first corporate function.
Carlo emphasises that for the multicultural NCSO, background does not matter; even a formal music qualification is not a prerequisite. Some of the members have completed formal music examinations, while others are self-taught.
Through its programmes the orchestra wants to inspire a generation of young musicians and provide them with the resources they need to pursue their musical dreams.
“Money must never be the reason why someone is not taking part, and we want to create opportunities for youngsters from all spheres of life.”
In its few months of existence the NCSO has already hosted workshops with world-class performances in mind.
“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 Orchestra 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
