Resonance @ NMU

NewMusicSApresents the fifth concert of the Digital Indaba 2022-23 Concert Series with a programme focused on South African contemporary music for plucked and bowed strings. Titled Resonance, the performance will take place at Nelson Mandela University’s South Campus Auditorium (Summerstrand, Gqeberha) on 24 January 2023 at 19:30h.

Performed by local musicians Rudi Bower (guitar), Lucretia Sikwebu (soprano), Thandeka Mfinyongo (uhadi), Mariechen Meyer (double bass), Jan-Hendrik Harley (viola), and David Bester (violin), Resonance will feature compositions by Lise Morrison, Allan Stephenson, Jan-Hendrik Harley, and Rudi Bower. With its focus on plucked and bowed strings, this concert will be a taster of the musical smorgasbord which is the South African Strings Convention to be hosted from 17-21 March 2023.

The music programme of the concert includes, among others, the following works:

• Extracts from Sag Praat van Hierdie Lewe – the first song cycle in Afrikaans for voice and guitar, based on poems by Vincent Oliphant and composed by Gqeberha-based Rudi Bower. Performed by Rudi Bower (guitar) and Lucretia Sikwebu (mezzo-soprano).
• Untitled – guitar duo by Rudi Bower, recomposed for guitar, violin, viola and double bass. Performed by Rudi Bower (guitar) and the Gqeberha Trio.
• Some Thoughts on African Beer – for solo double bass. Composed by Allan Stephenson. Performed by Mariechen Meyer (double bass).
• Mamela, mamela, mamela! – for solo violin. Composed by Lise Morrison. Performed by David Bester (violin).
• Finding/Seeking for viola and double bass. Composed by Jan-Hendrik Harley. Performed by Jan-Hendrik Harley (viola) and Mariechen Meyer (double bass).
• Original composition(s) for uhadi. Composed and performed by Thandeka Mfinyongo (uhadi).  

Resonance is presented in partnership with the Nelson Mandela University - Music and Performing Arts Department and the South African Strings Foundation, and is supported by the Rupert Music Foundation.