ERYO brings Christmas cheer to all ages
The East Rand Youth Orchestra (ERYO) played at their Christmas concert under the theme of ‘togetherness’.
“You can’t play a symphony alone; it takes an orchestra to play it,” – Navjot Singh Sidhu.
East Rand Youth Orchestra (ERYO) understands this truth and this year they played at their Christmas concert under the theme of ‘togetherness’.
Under the baton of Pienaar Fourie, the 35 members played to their heart’s content at the St Dunstan’s E John Butler Centre for the Arts on November 14 to the sold-out audience.
“It has been a difficult year for many people,” Fourie explained.
“This year our concert focuses on reflection – it is a day to remember the love we share and our loved ones that we lost to the pandemic.
“St Dunstan’s has played home to our Christmas concerts for about four years now. We intend to play Christmas carols to bring some Christmas cheer to the people after a long year.”
Fourie said that their members range from the youngest being about eight years to the oldest being over 40 years old.
The oldest in the orchestra, Orpie Hugo, is no stranger to the music field, but it was her first time playing in the orchestra.
Hugo is a general practitioner at Netcare Linmed Hospital, Life Wilgers Hospital and another hospital in Lynnwood Manor.
“I grew up in the Free State and started piano lessons in grade two,” the Kempton Park resident said.
“I played piano up until high school, but then studied medicine in Pretoria.”
Hugo practised until she found a love for the sound of the violin eight years ago.
“Funny story, a mutual friend put me in contact with Pienaar and he happens to be friends with my primary school piano teacher,” she said.
“He has mentored me over the years and then asked me whether I’d be willing to play in the orchestra, to which I agreed.”
Hugo said despite being the oldest in the group, she has learnt so much from the younger musicians.
“Playing the violin is not easy but the challenge is good, I will keep practising and playing,” she concluded.
For more information call the NPO on 084 549 7236 or visit webtickets.
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