The 1820 Settler’s Monument will play host to a mass choir performance in the form of musical project, Masicule, on 23 and 24 March.
The 1820 Settler’s Monument will play host to a mass choir performance in the form of musical project, Masicule, on 23 and 24 March.
National Arts Festival CEO Tony Lankester said the production will see the integration of over 500 local singers, in order to showcase local talent as “a celebration of the human voice”.
Masicule, which means “Let’s sing!” forms part of the Creative City Project, which is a partnership between the National Arts Festival and Makana Municipality.
This performance sought to draw from as many people across the town, and has singers from churches, schools, Rhodes as well as popular local singing groups The Voices, GC2 and The Twins.
The musical repertoire is being taken care of by some of Grahamstown’s foremost singing experts.
The performance is being directed by Gareth Walwyn, who is the Director of the Access Music Project.
It is being produced by Priscilla Glover who is currently a music teacher at Graeme College , and who has been a choir aficionado for over 40 years.
“This has been a learning experience. We’re putting on a professional performance and drawing on so many different participants.
"It’s been an adjustment for some groups and others settled into it naturally. I’ve really enjoyed it,” said Walwyn.
A promotional video released on YouTube by Blah Ze Blah, a local arts collective, documented the preparations in various schools.
Many of the pupils said they enjoyed the singing experience as well as the opportunity to meet new people from all the schools involved.
The show has provided an opportunity to explore a different approach to music and in terms of style, seeks to show case a diverse range of performances.
“There’s all sorts of music in this performance. We draw on music from England, South Africa, Italy. We’re performing ancient music but also songs which are playing on the radio right now,” explained Walwyn.
Some of the choirs have not been involved in such large productions before and this experience has allowed the individual to grow in professional music skills, as Walwyn believes this is a great addition to any musical portfolio.
A CD of the performances will be recorded and all funds will be used to establish a bursary for a student who intends to study singing.
The intention is to use this project to stimulate arts and particularly arts education as a crucial part of the city.
“It really is a celebration of singing and we’ve put the work in to make sure that is clear to our audiences,” said Walwyn.
The performance promises to be an impressive one, based on sheer numbers alone.
With some of Grahamstown's best musical talent gathered together, Masicule seeks to unite the city in harmony.
The Creative City Projects includes funders such as The European Union, The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, and Makana Municipality.
The project aims to create interest and industry around pursuing of the arts.
This project also supports festivals such as the Fingo Festival and Schools Festival.
View the music video at youtube.com/watch?v=o2fzmbALz2E.
