Soweto Theatre Youth Orchestra celebrates African women through music
The orchestra will stage its flagship annual concert, “Chapters of Her,” this August as part of Women’s Month celebrations.
Young musicians from the Soweto Theatre Youth Orchestra (SWTYO) are preparing to take audiences on a powerful musical journey celebrating the lives, legacies and contributions of African women.
The orchestra will stage its flagship annual concert, Chapters of Her, this August as part of Women’s Month celebrations.
The production comes as SWTYO approaches its second year since its official launch in August 2025. It will bring the orchestra’s members together on one stage, showcasing their growth and development through music, poetry and storytelling.
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This year’s concert carries the theme ‘Women in Music’, with an all-female creative leadership team guiding the production.
The orchestra, made up of male and female musicians between the ages of 19 and 32, will use the performance to honour legendary African women who helped shape the continent’s musical identity.
Among those being celebrated are music pioneers Miriam Makeba, Sophie Mgcina, Sylvia Mdunyelwa and Dorothy Masuka.
Through newly arranged orchestral pieces, spoken word and creative interpretation, the young performers will explore the journeys of these women, including their struggles, achievements and lasting influence on African music.
For the young musicians, the production is more than a concert. It is an opportunity to connect with the history of African music while developing their own voices and identities as performers.
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Adding to the significance of this year’s production is the involvement of acclaimed jazz pianist Thandi Ntuli and guest conductor Chevonne Plaatjies, known for her landmark association as a Red Bull conductor.
Their participation provides the young musicians with an opportunity to learn directly from established figures in the industry, creating a bridge between generations of performers.
Through mentorship and hands-on involvement, the experienced artists are helping the young musicians strengthen their skills while gaining insight into the professional music industry.
Head of Youth Development, Ntombizivumile Qupe, said “Chapters of Her” was a celebration of womanhood, heritage, resilience and artistic excellence.
Qupe further stated that the concert would also allow members of the public, media and arts enthusiasts to witness the growth of young musicians from Soweto.
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“It is an unmatched opportunity for members of the public, media houses, and arts enthusiasts to witness the incredible growth, skill, and passion of Soweto’s finest young musical minds as they create a legacy of their own,” she said.
As the young musicians take to the stage, Chapters of Her aims to remind audiences of the powerful role women have played in shaping South Africa and Africa’s musical heritage.
At the same time, the concert places the next generation of musicians at the centre of the story, allowing them to learn from the past while creating their own chapters in the future of African music.
