As per tradition Grahamstown was transformed into an arts and culture wonderland during the National Arts Festival, as locals and visitors alike were treated to hundreds of displays and performances by local and international artists.
As per tradition Grahamstown was transformed into an arts and culture wonderland during the National Arts Festival, as locals and visitors alike were treated to hundreds of displays and performances by local and international artists.
This year saw attendance figures rise by just over 13% with the numbers of people attending (170 045) and publicity figures rose from R134 million in 2008 to R147 million in 2009.
Music-lovers were spoilt for choice this year with the Standard Bank Jazz Festival and Spirit Fest catering to all tastes. Performers ranged from the young and new to icons of jazz, contemporary and classical music.
Rock sensation Jesse Clegg and Young Artist Award-winning baritone Jacques Imbrailo performed, with Afro-diva Busi Mhlongo, the hot pop-indie quartet The Parlotones and The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, putting in top class performances.
2009 was a bumper year for local talent, which made its presence felt at the Festival and on the local entertainment calendar. Heritage month was celebrated in style as schools and theatre groups put in effort and creative energy for some smashing culturally-inspired gigs.
It was a busy year for Sakhuluntu Cultural Group, which treated locals to numerous performances throughout Heritage month, and chairperson Merran Marr says she is happy that Sakhuluntu did their bit for keeping local culture alive.
Ubom! Theatre Company continues to grow from strength to strength and 2009 was no exception. They recently performed their annual Christmas show Umbhiyozo – Everything Christmas! for the second year running. Written and directed by Cassandra Hendricks of Ubom!, Bhuti, the Bokkie and the Christmas Beetle celebrated Christmas in true Ubom! style by creating a unique festive South African story.
Classical music aficionados were treated to numerous top-class performances throughout the year, including the end-of-year highlight, Ben Schoeman, one of South Africa’s most gifted young musicians, who gave the final recital of the year for the Grahamstown Music Society in the Guy Butler Theatre recently.
Music-lovers also enjoyed numerous performances by Juan, Mariel and Friends as well as performances by the Rhodes University Chamber Choir.
On a slightly nostalgic note the Grahamstown Music Society bade farewell to Dr Timothy Radloff with a lifetime chairmanship honour after his retirement from the society.
