Free tickets to see Gauteng Jazz Orchestra, Sibongile Khumalo and Jason Yarde in concert
By Shout-Africa -Gauteng Jazz Orchestra steps into the spotlight with Sibongile Khumalo and Jason Yarde
Hot-on-the-heels of two performances at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, Sibongile Khumalo and UK saxophonist Jason Yarde bring their critically acclaimed show to Johannesburg – this time supported by the Gauteng Jazz Orchestra.
This once-off performance takes place at the Linder Auditorium on July 8th and gives the Gauteng Jazz Orchestra the opportunity to showcase its worldclass talent with two of the international jazz world’s most highly-regarded performers. And great news for jazz fans is that the concert is free, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yarde, Khumalo and the Gauteng Jazz orchestra will perform extracts from the piece “Reflections in Reverence and Remembrance” – which was performed at the National Arts Festival – along with additional repertoire. Yarde – whose impressive career has seen him work with the likes of McCoy Tyner, Roy Ayers, Hermeto Pascoal, Manu Dibango, Keziah Jones and Kronos Quartet – feels a deep connection with South Africa and the home-grown musicians he has encountered over the years. Of all the places I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to, more than most, South Africa is somewhere I can say I have family,” Yarde says.
Khumalo’s reputation is a formidable one: since being named the Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year in 1993, Khmulo’s «volcanic vocal talent» (as one reviewer described it) has seen her perform around the globe, and at some of SA’s biggest events including President Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inauguration. The chance to see this award-winner on stage in Gauteng is not to be missed.
The choice of the Gauteng Jazz Orchestra to play with Yarde and Khumalo in the Gauteng presentation of “Reflections in Reverence and Remembrance” confirms its standing as a truly worldclass group.
Featuring a line-up of gifted players – Barney Rachabane, Jabu Mdluli, Stompie Manana, Jimmy Mngwadi, Nkanyezi Cele, Bheki Mbatha, Khaya Mahlangu, Andile Yenana, Prince Lengoasa and Sidney Mavundla – the Gauteng Jazz Orchestra is currently engaged in a series of live performances supported by the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation. This has recently included a brilliant performance at the Pale Ya Rona Carnival and a riveting live show to mark Africa Day in May.
Says orchestra leader, Johnny Mekoa, «We have always believed for the GJO to sustain itself, it must draw on Gauteng’s best musicians – players who are able to both be part of the GJO during standalone performances and able to collaborate with different artists on musical projects so this show is just up our street.
Reflections in Reverence and Remembrance” featuring Jason Yarde, Sibongile Khumalo and the Gauteng Jazz Orchestra takes place at the Linder Auditorium on 8th July 2010 from 7:30pm -10:00. There will be two sets of 45 minutes each with a 20 minutes interval.
The show is supported by Gauteng Provincial Government, the British Council and the Lotto. Entrance is free but bookings must be made via either Lindo Shabalala (lindo.shabalala@britishcouncil.org.za or ) or Nhlamulo Baloyi (Nhlamulo.baloyi@ gauteng.gov.za or 011 3552814).
The Linder Auditorium is part of the Wits Campus. It can be found on the Education Campus at 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg. For Media queries contact Rami Nhlapo on (011) 788 7632 or 083 268 1446 or media @jtcomms.co.za
