Brand, spanking new jazz compositions will reverberate throughout Artscape this week as young jazz musicians will be performing their own compositions in collaboration with one of the Youth Jazz Series’ mentors, well-known composer Mandisi Dyantyis.
One of the Artscape annual flagship projects,will kick-off on Youth Day, 16th June, with a two-day showcase with the ten final selected high school bands from across the Western Cape Province. Included are Alexander Sinton, Bergvliet, Eerste River, George, Groote Schuur, Outeniqua, Parel Vallei, Parklands College, SACS and The Settlers.
Day two (17 June) showcases ten young jazz soloists who have made the cut from the auditions held earlier this year. They Comprise of scholars and informal music students not older than 27, and are Joshua Klein (drums), Neo Mathebula (trumpet), Lizo Tloko (guitar), Sisipho Mangete (trombone), Adam Fredericks (bass), Mthetho Mathenjwa (piano), Emilie Walters (saxophone), Giulette Price (voice/guitar), Maria Kimotho (voice) and Danica Moodie (voice). They have been mentored by Amanda Tiffin (vocals and musical director), Mandisi Dyantyis (song writing and performance), Blake Hellaby (piano), Kevin Gibson (drums), Wesley Rustin (bass and guitar) and Marc de Kock (saxophone and bass). All participants have undergone a rigorous two-week mentorship programme.
The repertoire will showcase music from some legendary South African jazz artists, as well as works from young South African jazz stars including a special tribute to the late vocal hero, Gloria Bosman, and the bass legend Musa Manzini.
Says Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux: “The arts play a pivotal role in the arts sector which engenders economic emancipation. Artscape therefore places focus on the empowerment of Youth in the Arts. The Jazz Series serves as a stepping-stone that provide access to a meaningful career and opportunities to participate in key jazz events in the Western Cape Province that has witnessed previous participants excel as professionals both locally and internationally also scooping major awards.
Chief mentor and musical director Amanda Tiffin adds: “It has been a privilege to be a part of the annual Artscape Youth Jazz programme over the past 9 years. Watching how the young artists who have come through the programme have gone on to fly the flag of South African jazz high in all corners of the world”.
The Youth Jazz Series forms part of Artscape’s Youth Month activities under the theme: “Accelerating Youth Economic Emancipation for a Sustainable Future”, as per national government directive.
Funded by the City of Cape Town Municipality the focus remains on the continuous skills development within the jazz genre and to foster the investment of cultural democratization of our country. Launched in 2003, this project has grown extensively over the years to accommodate the enormous interest and exceptional talent of young jazz musicians.
Tickets are available and can be booked at Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-seat 021 421 7695. Visit the Artscape website (www.artscape.co.za) for more information.
For media enquiries, please contact Themba Mzondi on 078 113 5216 or email Themba@sceproductions.co.za