ABOUT ‘AFRICA CELEBRATES’
Had Shalati Joseph Khosa lived beyond his seventy-seventh year, there is no doubt that he would have diversified his prolific talent in music composition. It is fair to surmise that he would have taken a detour into composing for operatic performance. It is no wonder then that when Thabe Matsebatlela, maestro-par-excellence of the University of Limpopo Choristers, suggested that we adapt a selection of S J Khosa’s classics for solos, duets and quartets, Mark Cheyne (Orchestrator) and I (Producer) grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
This album is a product of that collaboration. The album title, Africa Celebrates, quintessentially captures the theme and messages of the songs selected and operatized in this album: We Celebrate is a song of jubilation savouring the Great Women’s March for Freedom to the Union Buildings in 1956 to demand liberation from the Apartheid Regime, the Student Revolt in 1976 and the iconic 1996 South African Constitution. Ndzalo extols the diligence that leads to a bountiful African Harvest; Africa Rhangela exhorts Africa to develop and implement her own authentic brand of leadership. Africa Dzonga could very well pass for South Africa’s national anthem. If You Work Hard creatively pokes fun at indolence and praises diligence from an African vantage point. Mi Ya Va Rungula summits African Hospitality. Tinsimu ta Ntsako proclaims the virtue of marriage and its celebration through the wedding feast. The balance of the songs are a celebration of Africa’s embrace of Christianity.
Savour operatic SJ Khosa. Relish the sweet melodies of the University of Limpopo Choristers soloists. Take time to appreciate Mark Cheyne’s masterful orchestration in operatic mode.
Dr Reuel J Khoza
November 2019
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Executive Producer: Dr Reuel J Khoza
Producer: Mark Cheyne & Thabe Matsebatlela
Musical Arrangements: Mark Cheyne
Recording Engineers: Ningi Poro, Evert De Munnik & Richard Mitchell
Mixed & Mastered: Mark Cheyne
Album Artwork: Marc Barnard
UNIVERSITY OF THE LIMPOPO
Situated at the heart of Mankweng, 30km East of Polokwane City, the University of Limpopo gave birth to the UL Choristers in the early 90’s.
The “UL Choristers Family” as it is affectionately known, is built on three pillars: love for choral music, love for one another and a great sense of musicianship. The choir is led by Thabe Matsebatlela, an associate professor of Biochemistry at the University. The choir has become a platform for talented soloists and conductors to emerge.
Khenso Khosa is from Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province, and is completing her Bachelor of Science studies at the University of Limpopo. She uses her soprano voice to contribute in humanitarian projects that aim at improving the standard of living in local communities.
Mandlenkosi Mnisi has a bass voice which has blossomed whilst performing with the UL Choristers in South Africa as well as the USA. Mandla hails from Bushbuckridge and is currently completing studies in Criminology and Psychology at the University of Limpopo.
Tinyiko Bevula comes from a family of choristers from Giyani in the Province of Limpopo and performs as a tenor soloist in SA and abroad. He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies at the University of Limpopo and currently works as a Financial Advisor.
Portia Malapane from Midrand, Gauteng Province, is currently completing her Bachelor of Education Degree in Maths, Science and Technology at the University of Limpopo. During her time as a soprano with the UL Choristers she has received master classes in Oklahoma (USA) and has won countless awards at local, national and international competitions.
David Phuti Kgomo, from Ga-Mahoai in the province of Limpopo, completed his Bachelor of Education studies at the University of Limpopo. His involvement with UL Choristers has continued as a tenor soloist and conductor, which included performances in Tennessee, USA.
Latja Paulina Moningi from Seshego, Polokwane, completed an LLB degree at the University of Limpopo. Her choir conducting skills and mezzo soprano voice have given her the opportunity to travel to various countries including the USA.
Joy Gisela Seerane is from Bushbuckridge and completed her Bachelor of Administration studies at the University of Limpopo, where she joined UL Choristers upon enrolment. She has accumulated multiple awards as a soprano soloist and also performed in Oklahoma, USA.
KWAZULU-NATAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra comprises 70 professional musicians from more than 20 countries. It enjoys a reputation for innovative excellence in South Africa and has proved to be a formidable resource countrywide.
KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra (Featured on tracks 1-3, 5,7-9, 11,12, 17-19).
Conductor: Lyk Temmingh
Concert Master: Joanna Frankel
Violin I (Assoc. Concert Master): Violeta Osorhean
Violin I (Principal): Beatris Lauenburg
Violin I: Emi Fukuda, Geza Kayser, Elena Kerimova, Mihail Mihaylov, Roberto Palma, Ievgen Pronenko, Lidia Sanacori
Violin II (Principal): Petya Koleva
Violin II: Jane Baillie, Regomodicoe Molosioa, Patrick Motsa, Natalie Pronenko, Thomas Steinhausen
Viola (Principal): David Snaith
Viola: Laura Blazyte, Annamaria D’andrea, Todor Hadgiev, Nassie Hadzhieva, Marco Mazzi, Tshegofatso Mokobe
Cello (Principal): Boris Kerimov
Cello: Fiona Grayer, Ralitsa Pechoux, Alejandro Pradenas, Marguerite Spies
Double Bass (Principal): Simon Milliken
Double Bass: Andreas Kappen, Yuri Litvinenko
Flute (Principal): Sabine Baird
Flute: Lisa Thom
Oboe (Principal): Nuria Cabezas Castano
Oboe: Stella Martin
Clarinet (Principal): Annelize de Villiers
Clarinet: Kirsten Sayers
Bassoon (Principal): Lubomir Minkov
Bassoon: Anele Mnguni
French Horn (Principal): Sorin Osorhean
French Horn: Neil Smit, Alice Thom, Marian van Duyker
Trumpet (Principal): Michel Schneuwly
Trumpet: Jonas Brolin, Cathy Peacock
Trombone (Principal): Andrea Baloco
Trombone: Duncan Wooldridge
Bass Trombone (Principal): Jonathan Hooper
Tuba: George Foster
Timpani (Principal): Stephane Pechoux
Percussion: Thando Nkangana, Joshua Kim
Harp (Principal): Linor Steinhausen
Drum Kit: Bruce Baker
Piano: Mark Cheyne
Orchestra Manager: John Walton
Chief Executive & Artistic Director: Bongani Tembe
JOHANNESBURG SESSION ORCHESTRA
(Featured on tracks 4,6,10,13-16,20)
Conductors: Thabe Matsebatlela, Sidwell Mhlongo, Norman Ntsako Zwane
Violins: Miroslav Chakaryan, Kabelo Motlhomi, Melale Mantu, Elena Zlatkova, Evert van Niekerk, Kabelo Monnathebe, Waldo Alexander, Bernard Madumo, Elbé Roberts
Violas: Violeta Miljkovic, Kate White, Tiisetso Mashishi
Celli: Daliwonga Tshangela, Susan Mouton, Carel Henn, Maciej Lacny
Contrabass: Nico Kruger
Flute: Malane Hofmeyr-Burger, Helen Vosloo
Oboe & Cor Anglais: Andrew Moorosi
Clarinet: Chrisna Smith, Morné van Heerden
Bassoon: Paul Rodgers, Lorin Armer
French Horn: Frik Le Roux
Trumpet: Neil Engel, Donny Bouwer
Trombone: Etienne Mecloen, Dan Selsick
Percussion: Rudolf van Dyk, Richard Carter
Piano: Denzil Weale
Guitar: Mouritz Lotz
Drums: David Klassen
Bass Guitar: Denny Lalouette
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