May 11, 2005
By Bafana Nzimande
MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST Pops Mohamed is scheduled to perform at the fifth Orchestra Rave at the University of Witwatersrand's education campus in Parktown on Saturday, 14 May.
An award-winning musician, Mohamed is at home on a range of indigenous instruments like the mouth bow, mbira (hand piano) and kora (a type of harp). His performance is one of the highlights in a sizzling line up of music and dance workshops and performances at this year's rave.
Organised by the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company, the festival is a day-long celebration of music and dance for people of all ages. With 30 different activities, it features a range of music genres and dance styles, from rock to jazz, gumboot to ballroom.
There are choral performances and ensemble work by youth orchestras from across the country, and more than 500 children are taking part.
A massed orchestra will perform at the Orchestra Rave Concert
Sticking to its winning formula, this year's festival programme consists of two separate events: the Rave Festival of workshops and rehearsals from 9.45am to 3.45pm, and the Orchestra Rave Concert from 4pm to 6pm, at which a massed orchestra shares the spotlight with several of South Africa's musical giants. Internationally acclaimed pianist Malcolm Nay is conducting.
A master class by Nay and a workshop on ethnic instruments by Mohamed, both at the Williams Block on the education campus, are highlights.
"This year's event promises to be a pulsating affair, because it features a lot of kids who have grown with the event and who will be performing for the first time in the senior section, alongside musical giants such as Pops Mohamed," says Antoinette Rose, the event's publicist.
Pops Mohamed demonstrates the mouth bow
"Every featured item is expected to attract huge numbers, but a majority of people have earmarked both Nay and Mohamed's workshop as their main attractions," Rose adds.
The concert is the undoubted showstopper. A massed orchestra of 250 musicians will fill the stage of the Linder Auditorium, while members of audience will be given drums to join in the fun.
"The drumming session has proved to be one of the favourites among festival audiences as it gives them the opportunity to put their drumming skills into practice under the guidance of professional drummers," says Rose.
Tickets for the two events, available at Computicket or at the door, are bought separately, and cost R20 each. The Orchestra Rave 2005 is sponsored by De Beers, Classic FM, the Mail And Guardian and Business and Arts South Africa.
For more information, telephone 011 484 1257 or 011 643 1333.
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