ASHTON – A group of young talented choir members are in urgent need of funding to enable them to take part in an upcoming choral event which takes place in August in George.
The Boland Chamber Choir of the Zolani area in Ashton, according to founder and choirmaster Luthando Klaas, who is noticeably young himself, the product of a vision and huge desire to empower young people from the community through music.
“Our main objective is to empower one another through music, building one another’s self-confidence, self-discipline, and personal development, developing a creative, analytical and intuitive understanding of music as a cultural language,” says Klaas.
Substance and alcohol abuse is a huge concern in so many communities, especially those where poverty and unemployment are rampant.
The Zolani community is no exception, and it is mostly youth who tend to fall prey to these social ills, which destroy so many lives and families.
Klaas is convinced the choir has a positive influence on the lives of the members of the choir and the youth in general.
“The Boland Chamber Choir is situated in Zolani, a disadvantaged place where 80% of the residents are seasonal workers and parents are often unable to provide the necessary needs required by the choir for a child,” he said.
“For this reason, many kids are unable to pursue their talent because of the challenges they face.
“Furthermore, I believe the choir has a positive impact on the youth by curtailing the number of them abusing alcohol and drugs.”
Klaas said he really wanted to take this group of talented boys and girls to the Cantamus, a choral festival where thousands of school students meet to showcase their talent in the choral arts, in which healthy, competitive participation plays a central part.
The choral festival takes place in George from 5 to 9 August.
According to Klaas, the total cost of each participant, in terms of travelling, accommodation and meals, is R1 650 per chorister.
With the high unemployment rate in Ashton and a huge part of the community depending on seasonal work, the parents of these children are decidedly unable to meet such costs.
And without financial support they will not be able to develop their talent, or be competitive for that matter, and provide a glimmer of hope for a good and meaningful future, said Klaas.
If anyone can assist the 22 members of the choir make their dream to perform at a reputable choral festival a reality Klaas can be contacted on 078 864 3364 or the Montagu-Ashton Tourism Association on 023 614 2728.
