Classics with an Afropop blend
SONGS of Johnny Clegg will be among those that will sound in Kloof next weekend at a light classics performance conducted by maestro Richard Cock, at Kloof’s St Agnes auditorium.
“Richard is coming down from Johannesburg with singers Tim Moloi and Monde Msutwana,” said Jill Storrar, spokesperson for the Youth Education and Support (Yes) Trust, which will be beneficiaries of the concert.
The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra will provide the music for the event, Under an African Sky, on February 19.
Cock said he looked forward to returning to KZN after a long absence.
He said he once performed frequently in the city, including Kloof, for functions of the local Rotary Club.
“But that all came to an end, so it will be very nice to be back,” he said.
The Yes Trust helps disadvantaged students at tertiary level, not only financially but with mentoring.
“Mentorship of our young people is a vital part of our organisation and we hope the wholesome values and ethics we try to instil will stay with our
students for life,” said Storrar.
“We are assisting students who are studying for a variety of tertiary courses, including medicine, occupational therapy, teaching and accountancy.
“It’s hugely rewarding to see young people succeed in their studies, and once they have graduated and qualified, the impact it has on them and their families is without bounds.”
“NSFAS (the National Student Financial Aid Scheme) supports many underprivileged undergraduate students in South Africa, but to qualify for financial assistance the annual income of the family has to be below a certain income level,” Storrar explained.
“Many families who earn just above this ceiling cannot afford the fees and other expenses involved in funding a tertiary level student, so many promising students, known as the ‘missing middle’, fall through the gap.
“Graduates who wish to pursue their studies and obtain Honours, Master’s and doctoral degrees often hit a wall and are unable to continue. We focus on trying to support these two groups of promising students.”
A gin bar and a mobile pizza stand will be available at the 4pm event.