Individual members of the Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestras have joined forces in putting together a virtual performance of the well-loved hymn, ‘Amazing Grace’.
“We hope the tribute brings comfort and joy to thousands of South Africans who are enduring isolation, economic hardship and anxiety during the country’s national lockdown due to the global coronavirus pandemic,” said Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of both the Johannesburg and KZN Philharmonic Orchestras.
WATCH: The video has been made by the musicians, each recording their own performance at home
“Part of our responsibility as artists, particularly at a challenging time like this, is to utilise and share our talent to inspire hope and lift spirits in order to encourage people to know that they can face tomorrow.”
In this regard, the choice of ‘Amazing Grace’, one of the world’s most inspirational hymns, is very apposite to this trying time of battling Covid-19.
Tembe explained that the release of this orchestral arrangement is in line with the message first expressed by President Ramaphosa who quoted Hugh Masekela’s famous song ‘Thuma Mina’ as he urged all South Africans to keep faith and stay safe.
The JPO and KZN Philharmonic’s outreach gesture is in line with other virtual performances that have been made, under similar circumstances, by orchestral players from around the world.
‘’I would like to thank our committed musicians as their heartfelt musical tribute is also a dedication to all the healthcare workers and law enforcement agencies who are working tirelessly and sacrificing their own well-being to ensure that we are safe as we work together in curbing the spread of Covid-19 in the country,’’ concluded Tembe.
Related Articles:
https://staging.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/261968/gift-of-the-givers-raise-funds-for-medics-to-combat-covid-19/
https://staging.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/266050/operation-hunger-helps-ensure-people-stay-healthy-during-lockdown/
Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
