JOHANNESBURG INTERNATIONAL MOZART FESTIVAL 2020

The 2020 Johannesburg International Mozart Festival (JIMF) is gearing up for a number of performances that are perfect for a family day out! No matter the generation, indulging in and learning more about classical music is a special experience for everyone and this year’s festival has a number of events that are ideal for family fun.

Having translated some of Mozart’s inspiring characteristics into the 21st Century, this year the festival shapes itself around celebrating the birth of Beethoven – who was intrinsically inspired by Mozart – 250 years ago.  As such, the theme for the festival this year is based on Beethoven’s quote “Alle Menschen werden Brüder” which translated, means “all people become brothers”.

This theme of unity has a special resonance for its South African families who will be able to participate in a diverse programme of concerts and cultural events over ten days. According to Uhlig the diversity of the festival places great emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, providing innovative intersections between “classical” repertoires, new music, improvisation, film, dance, theatre and contemporary South African art. 

“This year’s festival is geared for family entertainment with a little something to keep every member of the family engaged in local and international bridge-building under the auspices of the JIMF. The theme of unity is central to the ideas followed this year, which is particularly apt for South Africa, especially considering the recent win at the rugby world cup: stronger together!” says Artistic Director Florian Uhlig.

Head over to this link for the full festival programme http://www.join-mozart-festival.org .

The following performances are ideally suited to deliver a great entertainment for the whole family:

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CONCERT

Taking place on Saturday, 25 January at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 4pm, this concert features music from three continents and delivers the works of Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767); Grillen Symphonie; Alberto Nepomuceno (1864-1920); Serenata Para Orquestra de Cordas; Cláudio Santoro (1919-1989); Ponteio; Antônio Carlos Gomes (1836-1896); O Burrico de Pau; Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959); Bachianas Brasileiras No.4; César Guerra-Peixe (1914-1994); and Mourã; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791); Eine Kleine Nachtmusik K525 First Movement – Allegro; and Ludwig van Beethoven’s  (1770-1827) Romance in F Major Op.50 No.2 

Attendees can look forward to a performance by Mzwandile Twala on violin, along with classic pop songs, township kwela, gospel and afro-pop performed by the Buskaid  Soweto String Ensemble with vocals by Cecelia Manyama, Tumi Mapholo, Mathapelo Matabane, and Tshegofatso Matabane.

Buskaid is an organisation that provides the ability for children from impoverished backgrounds the ability to learn classical stringed instruments to the highest possible standards. Children in the programme have formed their own professional orchestra with a unique repertoire and playing style.

No under 6’s. Book your tickets through Computicket: +27 (0)861 915 8000 or www.computicket.com

JOHANNESBURG YOUTH JAZZ BAND

The Johannesburg Youth Jazz Band performs a free concert at 5:30 pm. This one hour performance will include jazzed-up versions of famous classical pieces – a good way to introduce a younger listener to the classics. John Davies conducts and audiences can look forward to a delightful late afternoon event. Donations at the concert will go towards supporting the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company.

Photo: Marco Borggreve