Let Joy Be Unconfined
Pupils rub shoulders with acclaimed violinists during tour of the city
The Soweto String Quartet and pupils of Merrifield School whoop with delight after a combined workshop and performance at the East London school on Monday.
The internationally acclaimed Soweto String Quartet brought both joy and musical wisdom to the eager pupils of Merrifield Prep School in East London on Monday.
The group’s final stop on their East London tour was at the school, where young violinists had the opportunity to participate in a workshop with the accomplished musicians.
The multi-award winning quartet performed at the Umtiza Arts Festival at the weekend.
Co-founding member of the group, Sandile Khemese, said it was important to make a difference in young peoples’ lives through music.
“They are the future of tomorrow. Music is educational and when you impart that, it can make a difference in a child’s life.” The quartet taught the pupils a few notes on their violins and gave them inspiration to continue with music.
School teacher Una DriverBoon, who organised the workshop, said the pupils’ exposure to the group was an unforgettable experience.
“I felt like this would be a lifechanging experience for some of these children. Most importantly, I wanted this to be an inspiration for them to see what they can achieve and to expose them to a different genre of playing,” she said.
After the workshop, the group went over to the hall to perform for the entire school.
The school hall erupted when the group performed some of their world-class hits like
Kwela. Their lively repertoire also includes hits like the timeless Sophiatown, Kofifi and renditions of songs like Take Five and Imbube.
The quartet is made up of Sandile Khemese, Thami Khemese, Makhosini Mnguni and Themba Mashobane, whose infectious energy left the audience wanting more.
The youngest member of the quartet, Themba Mashobane, says such excursions were important for the preservation of music in the country.
“In any profession, it is beneficial to start things at an early age. In the arts, it is something we should place as high importance. This will ensure the long-lasting legacy of homegrown talented musicians,” Mashobane said.
The group say they were optimistic about the progression of the creative arts in the province. Mnguni said they wanted to open doors for young aspiring musicians.
“Initiatives like the Umtiza Arts Festival consist of performance and educational elements. We had the opportunity to share our set with young local musicians, who blew us away.”