Musical tribute to health workers
INDIVIDUAL members of the Joburg and KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestras have joined forces in putting together a virtual performance of the well-loved hymn, Amazing Grace. The video has been made by the musicians, each recording their own performance at home.
Bongani Tembe, chief executive and artistic director of both orchestras, said: “We hope the tribute brings comfort and joy to thousands of South Africans who are enduring isolation, economic hardship and anxiety during the country’s national lockdown due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
“Part of our responsibility as artists, particularly at a challenging time like this, is to utilise and share our talent to inspire hope and lift spirits in order to encourage people to know that they can face tomorrow.
“In this regard, the choice of Amazing Grace, one of the world’s most inspirational hymns, is very apposite at this trying time,” he said.
The release of this orchestral arrangement is in line with the message first expressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa who quoted Hugh Masekela’s famous song Thuma Mina, as he urged all South Africans to keep faith and stay safe. The Joburg and KZN Philharmonic Orchestras’ outreach gesture is in tandem with other virtual performances of the treasured concert repertoire from around the world.
“I would like to thank our committed musicians as their heartfelt musical tribute is also a dedication to all the health-care workers and lawenforcement agencies working tirelessly and sacrificing their own wellbeing,” Tembe said.
Twitter: @myJPO/@KZNPO Facebook: @Johannesburg PhilharmonicOrchestra/@ KZNPhilharmonicDurban YouTube: Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra/KwaZuluNatal Philharmonic Orchestra.