Young musicians to showcase at Soweto Theatre

The programme aims to make music theory and practice available to an increasing number of children and youth in and around Soweto. Designed to assist and develop young people’s skills, the showcase comes after a year-long break to restructure and find new and sustainable ways to grow the programme.

“The event will be showcasing some of the learners of the programme, who have demonstrated talent and commitment throughout the year,” the organisers said.

“During its break period, the programme embarked on a music outreach in schools in and around Soweto, conducting workshops with learners to create awareness and to expose as many learners to the programme.

“Through the outreach, the programme managed to attract more than 30 schools and came across many amazingly talented learners who have a passion for music. The programme exists to make music tuition available to as many learners as possible in Soweto and surrounding areas, as well as to provide support towards a music qualification at the end of each year.”

The music tutorial programme was founded in 1994 at the Roodepoort Theatre in Johannesburg. It started off with 13 learners and later moved to Soweto Theatre.

“Since the move, the programme has formed relationships with other music tuition programmes and venues such as the African Youth Ensemble as well as Inside Out Jazz Lounge,” reads a Soweto Theatre Facebook post. “The programme has also borne fruit, with two of its facilitators being by-products of the programme.

“The programme also aims to develop and supply, annually, young musicians who are capable to the music and theatrical industries and aid in programming musical events at Soweto Theatre.”