For the sixth consecutive year, Sydenham Highlands North community centre in concert with Education Africa is overjoyed to bring the public Sounds of Celebration. There is no more opportune time than now to highlight our responsibilities not just towards the wellbeing of our immediate communities but to the welfare of society at large. This year’s theme ‘Heal the World’ (Tikkun Olam / תיקון עולם) will emphasise the roles we can all play in creating meaning from confusion; harmony from noise. The show, which has become significant to all our stakeholders will present 150 young performers in a kaleidoscope of sound and movement, performing on different instruments and through a variety of media including dance and song. The programme has been chosen for its ability to represent healing, reconciliation and union.
NPO Education Africa’s International Arts & Culture project in collaboration with Sydenham Shul, strives through a unique and creative partnership to achieve social cohesion and elevate South African communities through music. Between 2013 and 2018, the Sounds of Celebration project opened 5 Marimba Hubs - at Ithute, in Alexandra, the Zama Montessori School, Daveyton, the Boys and Girls Club of Protea Glen and its newest Hubs in Hammanskraal and the Boys and Girls Club at Bertrams. The current focus of the project is ensuring the sustainability and growth of the 12 existing Education Africa Marimba Hubs so that more learners can benefit from these significant and impactful opportunities.
From Boney M’s ‘Don’t Kill the World’, to The Greatest Showman’s ‘A Million Dreams’; from The Black Eyes Peas’ ‘Where is the Love?’ to Paul McCartney’s ‘Ebony and Ivory’, Joan Lithgow, Education Africa’s intrepid musical director has crafted a programme guaranteed to uplift and inspire. The audience will be moved by ‘World in Union’ and ‘Waving Flag’, which have become anthems of peaceful solidarity. The chorus of the performance reverberates throughout the evening and is expressed in pieces like ‘Thuma Mina’ with the African Prayer for support and upliftment for our most vulnerable to the powerful, surging hope articulated in ‘One Day’ for a peaceful and whole future for all of Earth’s citizens.
Two matinees are presented free of charge and performed specifically for 2000 disadvantaged youth in the Gauteng area. These young learners will have the opportunity to hear talented peers perform in a world-class venue. An educational booklet, allied to the CAPS curriculum, has also been prepared and will be supplied to each child. The final performance, formally presented by David Bloch, takes place on Tuesday 16 April at 19:45 and is open to the public. All performances take place at Emperors Palace, Theatre of Marcellus.
Tickets are reasonably priced between R60 and R120. Bookings at www.ticketpro.co.za or at Spar outlets.
For more information about the project and the concerts contact Education Africa 011 685 7300 or Sydenham Shul 011 640 5021.
For media queries, interview requests, media accreditation access to high res pictures please contact JT Comms on 011 788 7632 or write to media@jtcomms.co.za
Issued by JT Communication Solutions of Behalf of Education Africa – http://educationafrica.org/ and Sydenham Shul - www.sydshul.co.za.
Participants include:
The Boys and Girls Club marimba band from Protea Glen, Soweto, Goede Hoop marimba band from Reiger Park, Jeppe High School for Boys Scottish pipe and marimba band, King David Linksfield marimba band, MC Kharbai MID and deaf marimba band from Lenasia, Jiswa Training Centre SID marimba band from Lenasia, Dominican School for the Deaf from Hammanskraal, Neville Smith, singer extraordinaire, King David Linksfield Junior Choir, St Dominic’s Boksburg Steelband, St Peter’s Drumline, Indian Dancing Stars, Jehil and Kiran Ghurbarun and Moshe Lichtenstein and the Chupa band.
