KZN-born composer, cellist will take you from Beethoven to Princess Magogo
Together with musicians from KZN, UK, Italy and Peru, Dr Mhlanbi will be exploring sounds from cultural legacies such as the late KZN poet Mazizi Kunene and intercept it with Western classical music
To honour heritage month, KZN-born composer, cellist and academic, Dr Thokozani Mhlambi will be treating audiences to a series of once-off concerts around Durban from September 27-30.
With a special mix of genres, from Beethoven to Princess Magogo, Dr Mhlambi will be using different media and multi-cultural musicians to creatively explore new South African music.
“I am looking for something else – something cosmopolitan and contemporary, complex and interesting, with its roots in the classics, in tradition and musical folklore. As a music maker, I continue to grapple with the ongoing quest for a new South African musical ego,” said Mhlambi.
Together with musicians from KZN, UK, Italy and Peru, Dr Mhlanbi will be exploring sounds from cultural legacies such as the late KZN poet Mazizi Kunene and intercept it with Western classical music.
“I believe Kunene’s words outline the role that should be played by artists, thinkers and researchers in Africa today.
“Their work should aim to develop a national ego, in other words, self-confidence in the minds of its makers and its imagined audience.
“But the work itself must transcend the boundaries of the nation, in order to express the general experience of mankind.”
The concert series programme will be as follows:
Date: Wednesday 27 September
Time:12 until 2pm
Venue: Urban Futures Centre, DUT.
Event: Panel Discussion titled Towards a National Ego – New thinking on culture, public life and music in KZN.
Info: 031 373 2000
Date: Thursday 28 September:
Time: 6.30pm for 7.30pm
Venue: Playhouse Loft
Event: Opening Cocktail Function and Concert Zulu Songcycle with Dr Thokozani Mhlambi
Sponsored by Remy Martin
Tickets / Booking: Computicket / Playhouse boxoffice, R150
Info: Computicket or 0861 915 8000
Date: Friday 29 September
Time: 6pm
Venue: Wushwini Pan African Centre
Event: Botho Pan African Arts Festival
Info: Ph Thandeka Mdlalose on 078 172 5154 or Phila Majola on 0725205093
Date: Saturday 30 September
Time: 5pm
Venue: Mazisi Kunene Museum, Glenwood
Event: Closing Concert
Tickets / Booking: Entry is free.
Info: 031 205 2912
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