Cleave Guyton, Belden Bullock and George Gray - a trio of New York City-based musicians who regularly perform with Ibrahim as part of Ekaya - are among the special musical guests along with highly regarded South African players, Khaya Mahlangu, Feya Faku and Barney Rachabane.
Ibrahim oversaw the birth of the New South African Orchestra in 2009, with the support of the Department of Arts and Culture. With Ibrahim as the NSAO's convener, the musicians who will be taking to the stage on 27 February were discovered during auditions held in Johannesburg in October 2009.
The February concert features vibrant new South African talent, which now forms part of one of the NSAO's incarnations, Morolong. Featuring players adept in sax, flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, drums, guitar and percussion, Morolong is based around the big band tradition and is dedicated to Kippie Moeketsi.
In a double boon for music fans, a single ticket to the 8pm full-scale show (featuring Ibrahim, Guyton, Bullock, Gray, Mahlangu, Faku and Rachabane) on 27 February also gives entrance to a matinee performance of new members of the NSAO. "We've been waiting for this generation for a long time," said Ibrahim of the chance to see some of South Africa's most gifted young players in action during the matinee show as well as during the main event.
The concerts are being staged with the support of the Gauteng Legislature and its speaker, Lindiwe Maseko, further underscoring the value placed by national (through the DAC) and provincial government on this unique project.
Over the coming months, Ibrahim and his team will be auditioning for additional members of the NSAO - again with the support of the DAC. Alongside “Morolong” will come the Philharmonic Orchestra (Pesheya), Bright Young Innovators (Briaat), Senior Citizens Band (Tookah), and Marching Band/Drumline (Pow-aah). Ibrahim, assisted by Cleave Guyton, will conduct workshops and auditions as part of this during his February visit to South Africa. These take place in Cape Town on 21 February and in Port Elizabeth on 23 February.
Tickets are now available from Computicket and Shoprite and cost R200 (including a 3pm "young talent" matinee and 8pm concert).
For information on the Cape Town and Port Elizabeth auditions and workshops please contact Mandla Baloyi on +27 (0)82 355 1207.
