Music
SA composer wins acclaim for setting Madiba's speeches to music
'Harmonia Ubuntu', an orchestral work specially composed by Bongani Ndodana-Breen for Nelson Mandela's centenary, made its world debut to thunderous applause in the US
Acclaimed South African composer Bongani Ndodana-Breen was enthralled with the world premiere of his Harmonia Ubuntu - which was specially composed for Nelson Mandela's centenary - in the US last month.
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra performed the piece, featuring soprano Goitsemang Lehobye, in a sold-out concert at the Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis last Saturday as part of its Music for Mandela project. The piece, which contains Mandela's own words, was commissioned by international touring company Classical Movements.
"This was a great honour because I don't think there is a living South African composer whose work has been performed by a professional orchestra. That was a big thing," says Ndodana-Breen.
"To have this piece around Mandela's centenary is a great privilege as well. The lyrics that we used were from Mandela's speeches. It is so inspiring. The musicians played extremely well. The applause was amazing and them giving a curtain call and standing ovation was very nice."..
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.