Music for reading
Local a capella choir, Pro Carmine, will give a concert at the new National English Literary Museum (Nelm) next week to raise money for Project Read – part of the Lebone Literacy Programme.
A varied programme will include The Silver Swan by Orlando Gibbons, Pavane and Benedicamus Domino by Peter Warlock and two American spirituals as well as more modern works such as Lennon and McCartney’s You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away, James Taylor’s The Lonesome Road, Ben E King’s Stand By Me and Amanda McBroom’s The Rose (made famous by Bette Middler) – in this case arranged by former Rhodes Education Department Head and talented Grahamstown musician and instrument maker, Hennie van der Mescht. Pro Carmine’s conductor, Peter Breetzke, says the choir is always keen to find new places for concerts and has been looking forward to the opportunity to sing in Nelm’s new home in Worcester Street.
“It is not often you get the chance to perform in a brandnew venue so we’re very excited about it. We often sing in churches, which is always rewarding, but this gives us a chance to do a slightly more secular programme and in a very different kind of setting.”
Nelm’s vital role in preserving South Africa’s literary heritage was also, says Breetzke, the inspiration behind the choice of charity that will benefit from the proceeds of the concert. The Lebone Literacy Programme was established in 2011 as part of the Lebone Centre in Currie Street. Project Read is an initiative that sees close to 100 volunteers (including Rhodes students) working one-on-one with approximately 130 Foundation Phase children on a weekly basis to improve their English language and literacy development. The sessions take place for an hour a week, and are held during school time at George Dickerson, St Mary’s, Samuel Ntsiko and Good Shepherd Primary Schools.
“We’re delighted to be the concert beneficiaries,” says Project Read Co-ordinator, Cathy Gush. “Although funds are available for the dayto-day running of the programme, it really adds value if the children can continue doing things at home. Whatever is raised at the concert will go towards giving each child some reading and writing books plus stationery to take away with them at the end of the year.”
Nelm as hosts say they are pleased to have the opportunity to introduce their new building to more Grahamstonians. Education and Public Programmes Manager, Zongezile Matshoba says: “We are very happy in our new building. We think it’s a real asset to Grahamstown and we want as many members of the community as possible to come and enjoy it.”
Pro Carmine’s concert takes place at 7pm, Wednesday 28th September at Nelm in Worcester Street. Entrance is free but donations to Project Read are welcome. Call Jayne Morgan (083 450 7060) or Sheila Hicks (083 442 3322) for more information.