The year 2011 marks 100 years since the death of Gustav Mahler

The year 2011 marks 100 years since the death of Gustav Mahler, and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra will commemorate the great Austrian composer’s life by performing two of his symphonies this year.

These works will be played during the JPO’s first and second seasons of symphony concerts for the year. Season one kicks off on 9 February, with all concerts taking place on Wednesday and Thursday nights at the Linder Auditorium in Parktown. Selected programmes will be repeated at Unisa’s ZK Matthews Hall in Pretoria on Sunday afternoons.

Due to audience demand, from this season the JPO will perform three major works during each concert, instead of four shorter works.

The first three weeks of the season will see Emil Tabakov, the eminent Bulgarian conductor, composer and double-bass player, leading the JPO as well as a number of top international soloists. Maestro Tabakov is well-known around the world as a guest conductor and has an enormous repertoire featuring a variety of styles from classical and romantic to contemporary genres.

On Wednesday, 9 February 2011 and Thursday, 10 February 2011, the JPO will kick off its first season of concerts for 2011 with Rossini’s Semiramide: Overture and Mozart’s Symphony No.36, K.425, C major (Linz), and will be joined by pianist Michael Roll for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto, No.4, Op.58, G major.

Roll is one of Britain’s most distinguished pianists, who came to prominence at an early age and has since enjoyed a career that has taken him around the world, giving recitals and appearing with prominent orchestras. The programme will be repeated at Unisa’s ZK Matthews Hall at 3pm on Sunday, 13 February.

On 16 and 17 February, the orchestra will perform another Mozart composition, The Impresario Overture, K486, as well as Beethoven’s Symphony No.4, Op.60, B-flat major. Also on the menu is Haydn’s Cello Concerto, Hob.V11b:2, D major, featuring talented 25-year-old Belorussian cellist Georgi Anichenko, now based in Paris, who has won several international music competitions – including first prize in the Unisa International String Competition.

The following week, on 23 and 24 February (as well as on 27 February at Unisa), it’s the turn of Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture, Saint-Saëns’s Introduction & Rondo capriccioso, Op.28, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34. Accomplished and highly decorated Bulgarian violinist Svetlin Roussev will make a special appearance, performing Ravel’s Tzigane, Rapsodie de concert for Violin & Orchestra.

The JPO’s principal guest conductor, Bernhard Gueller, will take over the reins for the remainder of the first symphony season. On 2 and 3 March, the JPO will be joined by young Russian pianist Natalia Lavrova, a highly-regarded and multi-faceted performer whose sincerity of interpretation and charm on the stage has won the hearts of audiences across the United States and Europe.

Lavrova will be playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto, No.9, K.271, E-flat major (Jeunehomme). The concerts will also feature Respighi’s Antiche danze ed arie (Ancient Airs and Dances):

Suite 1

, and Bizet’s Symphony No.1, C major.

Described by the Jerusalem Post as “musical, energetic and full of flair”, trailblazing Taiwanese pianist Ching-Yun Hu, winner of the 2009 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, will perform Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto, No.1, Op.23, B-flat minor with the JPO on 9 and 10 March in Joburg, and on 13 March in Pretoria. The remainder of the programme includes Liadov’s Eight Russian Folk Songs, Op.58, and Dvoøák’s Symphony No.6, Op.60, D major.

The season wraps up on 16 and 17 March with an operatic flourish, when exceptional young soprano Kelebogile Boikanyo, who recently appeared in Opera Africa’s La Bohème and La Traviata and will be performing in the upcoming production of Carmen, will join the JPO to sing Das himmlische Leben from Mahler’s Symphony No.4, G major. This work is considered Mahler’s most accessible symphony.

During the final concerts for the season, the JPO will also perform the Nachtgesang, Prelude and Liebestod from Wagner’s opera Tristan und Isolde.

Join the JPO for some choice musical encounters of the classical kind in 2011! The Wednesday and Thursday night concerts at the Linder Auditorium start at 8pm, and the Unisa Sunday concerts start at 3pm. Tickets are available at Computicket or at the door. For more information, call 011 789 2733, e-mail info@jpo.co.za or visit www.jpo.co.za.

Afrikaans comedy promises ‘massive’ take-off at Promusica

15 December 2010


Joburg Promusica in Roodepoort promises to start the new year with a ‘massive’ take-off by staging the Afrikaans comedy Vettie! Vettie! Promusica audiences can expect much more than just a smile when this hit show kicks off the theatre’s 2011 programme.

Vettie! Vettie!, produced by Kosie House of Theatre, will debut from 27 January to 20 February 2011 in Roodepoort, whereafter the show will embark on a nationwide tour.
Originally written by Charles Laurence and then translated into Afrikaans by Johan Bernard, Vettie! Vettie! (My Fat Friend) is a humorous look at women’s ongoing battle with the scale and that extra bit of weight. With the award-winning comic actor Tobie Cronjé as director, Vettie! Vettie! will inject the new year with a healthy dose of laughter.
Vicky (Karen Wessels) is a successful owner of a bookshop in Hatfield, Pretoria. She is single and obviously overweight. When she meets the man of her dreams, Tom Delport (Paul du Toit), she decides to get rid of the excess weight once and for all in order to secure her Prince Charming.

Easier said than done, especially if one of your house mates is a gourmet chef, while the other one keeps reminding you how many diets you’ve experimented with in the past... and failed!
Henri (Casper de Vries) knows Vicky too well and that all her good intentions ended in the garbage bin. The sharp-tongued Henri loves to be ‘truthful’ and make no excuses for his constant jokes about Vicky’s weight issues.
Gert (Johan Botha) is the gourmet chef who is allergic to cooking anything plaind and ordinary. During the day he also works as Vicky’s assistant in the bookshop and has a very soft spot for her.
Will Vicky be able to charm the man of her dreams and live with him happily ever after?
My Fat Friend was translated into Afrikaans by Johan Bernard and adapted as Vettie! Vettie! by Pierre van Pletzen.
Tobie Cronjé, known for his roles in the annual pantomime and the recent comedy Sing!, is the director.
Bookings through Computicket.
For more information about the play and tour schedule visit the web site http://www.vettievettie.co.za/

SAB partners with Gauteng Economic Development department to promote responsible trading in the liquor industry

Johannesburg, 14 December 2010:

 The South African Breweries (SAB) and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development today announced a landmark partnership to promote responsible trading in the liquor industry throughout Gauteng, which includes facilitating interventions to encourage traders to operate formalised businesses.

Vincent Maphai, SAB director of Corporate Affairs and Transformation, says SAB has a responsibility to encourage responsible trading. “SAB firmly believes that alcohol producers can and must make a positive contribution to reducing harmful drinking. Alcohol producers are ready and willing to partner with like-minded stakeholders to develop initiatives to halt the abuse of alcohol, including promoting responsible trading by liquor retailers. SAB believes that in order for these initiatives to be truly successful, it is essential that the company plays a key support role. We wholeheartedly welcome the partnership with the Gauteng department of economic development and look forward to it being a long and fruitful one.”

Last year, SAB announced an alcohol strategy (background details included), an integral part of which was increasing resources to build partnerships with government and the industry. There is also a strong focus on driving real advances in the normalisation of the industry through supporting and incentivising shebeens to become part of the formally regulated industry. SAB is committed to collaboration and self-regulation in the industry. The company assists the relevant stakeholders with licensing and supports regulators in building capacity and capability.

As part of this strategy, SAB will be launching a pilot project in February next year which seeks to promote responsible trading amongst taverns and shebeens. The project will run amongst 500 traders in four of SAB’s regions across the country, and will inform the way in which the company moves forward on promoting responsible trading. The pilot project is part of a review of SAB’s Mahlasedi programme - a specially designed taverner training programme to incentivise shebeens to obtain licenses – which the company is undertaking in light of the increased complexity of the regulatory environment. Over the last few years, the Mahlasedi programme has trained approximately 19 000 taverners. The programme includes a social responsibility module and a mentoring component.

Dr Maphai says SAB has long promoted the normalisation of the liquor industry. There are an estimated 120 000 people who run unlicensed outlets and who struggle to become part of the formal liquor market due mainly to the complexity of the licensing regime. These are people who are pursing an honest living but who fall outside the law by administrative fiat and as a result, struggle to grow their businesses, develop their entrepreneurial skills and who have a limited incentive to trade responsibly. SAB is therefore working hard to support government to normalise the industry.

“One of the most effective ways of ensuring that industry promotes the responsible use of alcohol is to be able to influence the behaviour of retailers and how they interact with consumers. This can only be achieved when all retailers are legal and a structured relationship with them can be formed. For this reason, the normalisation of the industry is a key tenet of SAB’s alcohol policy – it will allow us to work with retailers legitimately to ensure responsible trading.

“Ultimately, we believe that all stakeholder interests will be served by a properly regulated industry that is equitable, focuses on compliance, responsible retailing and the minimisation of abuse,” says Dr Maphai.

Jozi will bid farewell to a landmark year with a vibrant celebration of music and art on New Year’s Eve, when the Joburg Carnival once again brings the city’s streets to life.

Joburg Carnival to ring in 2011 in style

Now in its seventh year, the City of Joburg’s annual carnival has become a favourite fixture among residents – providing them with a constructive creative outlet to express their festive spirit on 31 December.

This year, the Joburg Carnival’s theme is “Jozi My Jozi, My City”. The colourful parade will start in Kotze Street in downtown Jozi at 12 noon on New Year’s Eve, and will proceed through the city, over the Nelson Mandela Bridge and end at Newtown Park during the afternoon.

Expect an exuberant assortment of troupes, choirs, bands and floats making their merry way through the city – and residents are encouraged to line the route to check out the spectacle, or even join in the fun.

“Carnival is the most exciting project in the city for many reasons,” says Steven Sack, the City of Joburg’s Director of Arts, Culture and Heritage.

“Most importantly, it provides opportunities for young artists to participate in a wonderful spectacle: to design, paint, dance and construct a performance that moves through the streets in celebration of the end of one year and the beginning of a new year.”

Residents are currently hard at work in recreation centres across the city, with locals and foreign nationals coming together in the spirit of unity and tolerance to create costumes, floats and other carnival paraphernalia. During these carnival camps, they learn valuable carnival arts skills that could ultimately earn them a living.

Hosted by the City of Joburg, in partnership with the municipal-owned entities (MOEs) and the South African Police Service, the Joburg Carnival celebrates the creativity and diversity of Jozi, and provides a safe New Year’s Eve activity for inner-city residents and the youth. Police statistics indicate that the carnival has directly resulted in lower crime levels in the inner city over New Year since it was initiated seven years ago.

“This year’s carnival will be time to say goodbye to 2010 and to welcome in 2011,” adds Sack – so come and join with other Jozi families in the fun and jollity on 31 December, and see in the New Year in grand, celebratory style.

blackdogg Media: whis is the Heart Boy?

blackdogg Media: whis is the Heart Boy?: "All is Revealed After Vuka! Awards Ceremony It would be difficult for anyone who owns a TV set, listens to the radio or reads a newspaper,..."

whis is the Heart Boy?

All is Revealed After Vuka! Awards Ceremony

It would be difficult for anyone who owns a TV set, listens to the radio or reads a newspaper, not to be aware of the enigmatic “Heart Boy”; the sweet young kid who’s been interrupting reporters and presenters by appearing out of the blue, giving them a little red heart, and then melting into the distance as quickly as he’d arrived.

Of course, by now, some people may have twigged that he is linked to M-Net’s Vuka! Campaign; the annual competition which encourages the Advertising and Film industry to make pro bono adverts for important social causes and charities.

This year, the theme for the creatives was “art with a heart” – and the entire advertising industry got behind the Vuka! Awards. Newcomers and Professionals all working to find creative and inspiring ways to create awareness about pressing social issues and encouraging South Africans to get involved.

The 2010 M-Net Vuka! Award winners were announced and crowned at a glittering ceremony in Kyalami on Tuesday night, November 30th. But what of the young sprite himself? Who is the boy that’s been winning hearts - in addition to handing them out?

The 12 year-old charmer, it turns out, is Katlego Dlamini, a Grade Six pupil at Theo Wassenar Laerskool in . He loves attending school and his favourite subject is science, although he’s also very involved in his school’s extracurricular activities, such as cricket, soccer, chess and swimming.

Katlego is also an aspiring actor who learned to get over his initial nerves after his first audition at the age of six - and has never looked back. Acting, he says, gives him a break from playing with his friends, and he also gets a kick from seeing himself on TV. Despite his passion for soccer and acting, however, he seems to have other plans for his future, and insists that his goal is to become a heart surgeon. What is it with Katlego and hearts?

Said M-Net’s Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications, Koo Govender: “Katlego was the perfect ambassador for M-Net’s Vuka! Campaign. He showed us all that a small gesture with a good heart can have a huge impact.”

Perhaps most revealing of all was a comment that Katlego made when his identity was revealed yesterday: “I just like to make people smile!”

Masakhane Festival celebrates 21st birthday with colourful variety

 

The Masakhane Arts and Culture Youth Festival celebrates its 21st birthday from 10 tot 18 December 2010 with a colourful variety of theatre, dance, music, poetry and workshops. The festival is hosted in the Emndeni Youth Centre in Soweto, Gauteng, but hosts young people from across South Africa as well as neighbouring countries.

Besides workshops ranging from contemporary dance and acting to drumming, this year’s festival programme includes theatre productions by theatre legend Gibson Kente, Bongani Linda, Julian Seleke Mokoto and Ntshieng Mokgoro (2009 Winner of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Drama).

Also on the programme is the Imbube Music Programme and competition, which will be held in the Emndeni Senior Secondary School Hall on 4 and 5 December. The programme and competition aim to popularise imbube and isicathamiya music.

Hostel dwellers, the bigger Soweto community and music lovers are invited to join in a celebration of indigenous folk music and movement. Participants not only make music, but also compete as the best dressed. It is not so much about the outer beauty, but rather a display of movement and colour.

The Imbube Music programme is a developmental initiative and caters specifically for organisations based in the Soweto hostels. Besides finding new talent, it is also a celebration of the diverse cultural richness in Gauteng.

The competition will start on 4 December at 18:00 and end on 5 December at 06:00. Entrance is free.

The Masakhane Arts and Culture Youth Development Project was created just over two decades ago by the youth of Emndeni in Soweto and is funded by the NATIONAL LOTTERY DISTRIBUTION TRUST FUND (NLDTF). The aim is to empower and develop young people who are artistically inclined. The annual event offers an opportunity to these talented young people to showcase their skills and also exchange cultural activities.

The Masakhane (‘togetherness’) Festival nurtures love and respect for each other’s background, language and culture. At the same time the youth development project encourages women to play the leading role in various organisations in the South African arts industry.

This year’s festival opens with a musical festival on Firday 10 December, featuring artists like Chomee, GP Gangsters, Pro Kid and Deep Soweto.

The mainstream theatre productions that will be performed in the Emndeni Youth Centre daily at 19:00, include the following:

10 December – Thursday’s Child by Ntshieng Mokgoro
11 December – Sins of a Man, directed by Thapelo Motloung
12 December – Marry the Unfaithful Woman, directed by Julian Seleke Mokoto
13 December – Carrot Sisters, directed by Bongani Linda
14 December – Garden Boy, directed by Kunene Nyembezi
14 December – Torn Apart, directed by Darlington Michaels (starting time 19:20)
15 December – Mfowethu, written by Gibson Kente
16 December – Remorse, directed by Duma Mnembe
17 December – Pot of Fire, directed by Charles Sello Mphana

Entrance to all the shows and workshops is free and open to the public.

Some of the workshops offered feature Thulani Didi & Kere Nyawo (Zone 14 Popeye & Spinach)guiding the various youth groups through a presentation about musical theatre, Duma Mnembe tackling theatre and Thuli Mazibuko (lead singer of the award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir) sharing secrets about music and music-making. Young people from KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and other areas in and around Gauteng are transported by bus to attend the various activities that are offered free of charge.

Fuse will be performed on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 December.

iKAPA DANCE THEATRE & STEPS REPERTORY ENSEMBLE (NYC) TO PERFORM 2 NIGHTS AT THE OUDE LIBERTAS ARTS FESTIVAL

FUSE is a celebration of Peace and Reconciliation

Fuse will be performed on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 December.

Where & When: 20:15, Oude Libertas Amphitheatre in Stellenbosch.

Book tickets, R80/ R100/ R120 book at Computicket or Booking office on 021 8097473 / 021 8097380

For further details contact Theo Ndindwa on 0739377558 or Tanya Arshamian on 0739913478 or email: info@ikapadancetheatre.co.za

Fuse will conclude with a premiere of a new work by Theo Ndindwa and Tanya Arshamian (iKapa’s directors) performed collaboratively by members of iKapa and the Ensemble.

Fuse will also include works by acclaimed American choreographers Cherice Barton (Broadway’s Spider Man), Donald Byrd (Artistic Director, Spectrum Dance & Broadway’s The Color Purple), and Andrea Miller (Artistic Director, Gallim Dance) performed by The Steps Repertory Ensemble, as well as new works by South African Choreographers Maxwell Xolani and Ebrahim Medell.

iKapa Dance Theatre is a repertoire company focusing primarily on the production of innovative and unique works. The performing company is made up of local professional dancers and the productions draw on issues of social relevance that can spark social debate or re-invigorate awareness. iKapa Dance Theatre uses productions not only to educate and empower but also to entertain and inspire. The company also teaches, develop and empower young people in previously disadvantaged communities.

Through the company dancers’ involvement with the iKapa Dance Training & Outreach, the dancers are active players in skills transfer, leadership and guidance. The iKapa company dancers are seen as role models for the youth.

2010 began with iKapa’s participation in the “Infecting the city” Festival in Cape Town.

This was followed with the first International tour of iKapa Dance Theatre when the production of STADIUM was not only performed at the "Out the box Festival" and "FNB Dance Umbrella" in South Africa but also the Harare International Festival of Arts. iKapa has recently completed a series of Dancers Showcase’s, that has resulted in its recent season, Triple Face performed at the On Broadway Theatre.

 The Steps Repertory Ensemble is a company of professional and pre-professional dancers chosen for their diversity, skill and commitment. Working with their world-renowned faculty and guest choreographers, Ensemble members are immersed in a concentrated level of training in preparation for a career in the performing arts. Ensemble dancers have gone on to work with Sean Curran Company, Tribute to Michael Jackson World Tour, Bad Boys of Dance, Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal, Cirque du Soleil, Fox-TV's "So You Think You Can Dance", Jennifer Muller/The Works, Ballet Hispanico, as well as on Broadway.

At the invitation of GAIN, iKapa Dance Theatre and the Steps Repertory Ensemble began this three-phase project in May 2010. This project is explored through dance, video, and community outreach.

In May 2010, two Steps Ensemble members traveled to Cape Town to start the collaboration process with iKapa Dance Theatre. iKapa’s director Theo Ndindwa choreographed the new collaboration piece.

In late August 2010, Ndindwa and two iKapa dancers, travelled to New York City. This was made possible through a scholarship to study at Steps on Broadway. This scholarship enabled iKapa to continue working on the collaborative piece that was presented at Steps Repertory Ensemble’s annual dance concert, Celebrate Dance, in September 2010.

The final phase of the collaboration is the production of Fuse in December 2010. This project represents the first international collaboration for both companies. According to Theo Ndindwa, artistic director of iKapa, this interactive process was an amazing experience for all involved. The cross-cultural collaboration has established a great international platform through which iKapa Dance Theatre and Steps have reached new heights.

 Claire Livingstone, artistic director of the Ensemble notes, "This creative and cultural experience has already added a new dimension to the Ensemble, enriching our dancers and the children they taught in South Africa’s townships.  We hope to continue this partnership and create many more in the future."  

MZANSI MAGIC - CHANNEL 107 - NEW BROADCASTER FOR THE 2010 MISS SA PAGEANT

The Miss South Africa competition final which aims to promote peace, goodwill, friendship and understanding as well as promote South Africa as a premier tourist destination – a land filled with natural beauty, diversity of culture, magnificent landscapes, extreme leisure activities and friendly people will be broadcast live on DSTV on Mzansi Magic (Channel 107) on Sunday, 12 December 2010.

Mzansi Magic’s target audience is black South African viewers – and is set to showcase locally produced content with a strong entertainment focus.  The schedule will consist of local and international movies, music specials, documentaries and soaps.   Mzansi Magic will also have other new local programming as well as interactive talk shows hosted by new and established television and radio personalities.

Mzansi Magic aims to engage local producers of television content and explore possibilities beyond traditional commissioning of programmes.  The new channel will appeal to a wide range of audiences and will increase the choice of programme viewing especially in terms of the local content offering.  The channel presents an exciting new platform for the South African creative industry, and a new destination for viewers who are interested in proudly South African entertainment. 

The Miss SA pageant is delighted to be hosted by Mzansi Magic as the competition has a strong local following and believes that the local flavour of Channel 107 will best showcase the competition.

Cutting-edge technology for pioneering Teargas video

On the coldest night this year, a troupe of 80 scantily-clad models, fire eaters, jugglers, a cheetah and a lion cub joined forces with Teargas and Doritos to make South African history.

The Doritos Late Night 360° global campaign was conceptualised by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco with Rihanna as the main attraction. Five supporting acts from London, Istanbul, Toronto, Sao Paulo and Johannesburg were invited to be part of this mega international internet event.

Each act was required to create a 360° music video that can be exclusively viewed using a webcam directed at the graphic symbol known as an augmented reality marker on the back of the new Doritos special-edition Late Night All Nighter Chilli Ribs flavour packs.

Originally, the whole production was going to be handled from London. However, knowing the Creative Vision team’s reputation for ingenious visual treatments as well as their technical knowledge, Lynne Mackenzie from LM&P recommended the South African production house to produce hip-hop act Teargas’s 360° music video for their hot new track, ‘Missing in Action’. This was a major accomplishment for Creative Vision, as it would be a first for Africa.

The one-minute continuous takes – filmed in Newtown in the middle of winter – required tremendous attention to detail and exceptional visualisation from co-directors Jo Horn and Brenton Green. Shooting with the 360° camera means that its six lenses capture the whole environment, leaving nowhere to put equipment and crew. Fortunately, director of photography Peter Tischhauser and his team saw this as an exciting challenge, finding solutions to every obstacle.

When watching the music video of Rihanna’s new single ‘Who’s That Chick’, the Teargas track and others on the internet, the viewer can drag the 360° footage around onscreen and view any angle they choose, creating a phenomenal experience time and time again. This type of 360° full-motion high-res video will in the future be an integral part of interactive digital advertising campaigns.

Creative Vision hailed the Doritos team, LM&P and Teargas as being “incredible” to work with, allowing them the creative space to produce an energetic and stylised music video.

To view the augmented reality music videos with your pack of Doritos Late Night and your webcam, go to www.doritoslatenight.com. Visit www.doritos-sa.co.za for more details, and join up on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/DoritosSouthAfrica – to stand in line to win sensational prizes such as a Mini Cooper S convertible.

THE NFVF WELCOMES STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT TOWARDS THE FILM INDUSTRY BY MINISTER PAUL MASHATILE

15 November 2010: The National Film and Video Foundation welcomes the unequivocal statement of commitment to supporting the development and growth of the film industry by the new Minister of Arts and Culture Mr. Paul Mashatile.

In an exclusive interview with City Press, Minister Mashatile said, "We must get the National Film (and Video) Foundation to create employment opportunities for many young people in that sector. There is no reason why we can't get to the standard of Hollywood or Bollywood. Supporting the film sector is one of my major priorities."

The sentiment by the minister is in line with the aspirations of the industry programme of Action as articulated in the NFVF blueprint the Value Charter that says that “the industry must move from a low volume and low margin base to high volume and high margin base.” The NFVF has always stated that in order to create sustainable businesses and therefore sustainable jobs, South Africa needs to consistently produce at least 15 - 20 film annually if it is to claim the existence of an industry.

The NFVF is excited that this statement from the minister comes at the back of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) Review report that has proposes for the provision of additional support to the NFVF to strengthen the South African film industry. The MTEF Review report states, "These allocations will help to upgrade skills and increase local employment.” “Savings within the Department of Arts and Culture are reprioritised for this purpose" the statement concluded.

The statement from the MTEF review report is as a result of the NFVF's intervention in approaching National Treasury in July 2010 as part of its lobby at the beginning of the MTEF Review process.

The outgoing NFVF CEO, reacting to the Minister's statement said, "This is exciting news, I would not have had a better send off than this. I think I have done my job and it is up to those that will come after to keep the momentum".

Mr. Mbalo will leave the NFVF at the end of the financial year in March 2011.

JPO helps bring Nutcracker magic to life

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to be the orchestra of choice for the SA Ballet Theatre’s Christmas production of The Nutcracker, and assist in bringing one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions to life
.
The JPO, under the baton of Allan Stephenson, will accompany SABT in its production of this much-loved children’s classic at the South African State Theatre this November and December.
The season of 23 performances opens on 19 November 2010 in the Opera theatre, and works its festive magic until 19 December 2010.

Having enjoyed a long and fruitful artistic association with SABT, the JPO is excited to once again bring holiday cheer to Gauteng audiences of all ages through the enchanting music of The Nutcracker.
“Since its premiere in St Petersburg in 1892, The Nutcracker ballet has continued to thrill audiences during the Christmas season worldwide,” says JPO managing director Shadrack Bokaba. “And so it should – it has all the ingredients, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, a battle scene and more!”

“It is through the partnership between the SABT and the JPO that audiences will experience memorable choreography and thrilling dancers, accompanied by South Africa’s finest orchestra,” Bokaba added.
This whimsical two-act ballet tells the tale of a young girl, Clara, who receives a nutcracker doll at a Christmas party. The doll comes to life, turns into a handsome prince, and takes her on a magic journey to the Kingdom of the Sweets, home of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Land of Snow.

SABT stars Anya Carstens and Burnise Silvius feature in The Nutcracker alongside international guest artist Juan Pablo Ledo, as well as the accomplished dancers of the SABT company.
Don’t miss this captivating ballet with its gorgeous score – the perfect holiday entertainment treat for the whole family. Book at Computicket or visit http://www.jpo.co.za/ for more details.

The Black Ties Celebrate Christmas

Get into the festive spirit with these fine voices!
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Sunday, November 28th

The Black Tie Ensemble’s annual Christmas Concert has established itself as one of the definitive happenings in this genre, and this year the talented outfit hopes to bring you their best production to date!
Because this time of the year is as much about giving as receiving, The Black Tie Ensemble would like to re- introduce a charity element to their show, as they did in 2008, when they made a contribution towards Child Welfare South Africa.

The BTE therefore asks audiences at this year’s show to make a small gift offering to the Children’s Disability Centre. (Details below.)
This heart-warming concert by six members of The Black Tie Ensemble will include solo and ensemble works, and also features special guest performances by soprano Antoinette Olivier and the Siyonqoba Sweet Voices from Soweto. The Ensemble will be accompanied by Susan Steenkamp Swanepoel and Willem Luitingh.

The programme will cater for the whole family, and will feature much-loved traditional carols and sacred songs, including “Mille cherubini in coro”, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”, “Thabani Inkozi Iyeza” (“Joy to the World” in Zulu); “Somer Kersfees”, “The Holy City”, “Ave Maria”, and “O Holy Night”.

The Children’s Disability Centre (CDC)
This valuable organisation was established in 1983 because of a co-operative effort between government and the South African National Council for the Blind. The CDC is the only centre in SA that caters for the needs of visually impaired, blind and autistic children from the time of diagnosis, in respect of medical care, early intervention and education in the pre- and foundation- phase. The CDC is one of only three centres that offer diagnostic and consultative services and training to visually impaired and autistic children.
Currently the CDC assists 24 children between the ages of 3 and 6, 40 children between the ages of 6 and 11, and 18 children between the ages of 12 and 18. They ensure that each one is given an opportunity to learn all the important skills that will prepare them for a happy and productive life. Their education programme is the foundation that leads towards an independent adulthood that will provide human dignity and self-reliance.

***
VENUE: Joburg Promusica’s Main Theatre
DATES: Sunday, November 28th at 4pm
TICKETS: R90
R80 for pensioners, scholars, or groups of 10+
KINDLY NOTE:
Patrons are requested to bring an unwrapped gift for children aged 3 to 18, between the value of R50 and R100. These gifts will be donated to the Children’s Disability Centre.
Bookings can be made at any Computicket outlet, online at http://www.computicket.com/ or by phoning (011) 340 8000.

The Joburg Promusica theatre complex, situated within the Civic Centre at 100 Christiaan De Wet Drive, Florida Park, Roodepoort, offers ample free and guarded parking for patrons

Prokofiev’s ‘Peter and the Wolf’ Visited and Revisited :

‘Peter and the Wolf’ is a children’s tale that, through specific musical themes created for each character, explores the different instruments in an orchestra. Commissioned by the Central Children's Theatre in Moscow, the work was composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936 with the intent to cultivate "musical tastes in children from the first years of school". Over the last 74 years, this playful classic has gained immense success, and is consistently delighting and inspiring children and adults of all ages.
As always, the production features a narrator whose business it is to tell the story and explain the role of the different musical instruments which are associated with characters in the play. The horns, for example, represent the wolf, and the aggression of the percussive instruments symbolises the hunters who are out to get the wolf. The doddering, grumpy old granddad is musically “voiced” by the bassoon; the cat by a nimble clarinet, and so forth.

Theatre and film personality, Brian Webber, well loved for his alternative and magical theatre characters, assumes the role of narrator, and his unique approach promises to be a delight for adults and children alike.
Fresh “Infotainment”

On its own, the play runs at just under half an hour long, but the creative team of this new production has come up with an innovative concept that increases the running time, whilst adding an educational element to the show.

Before the players launch into the actual dramatic piece, the audience is introduced to the various musical instruments that assume different roles in the tale. This is quite a valuable add-on, as most children are quite unaware of the different types of orchestral instruments, and what sonic qualities they each bring to a piece of orchestral music.

And there are more innovations: Whereas the play’s characters are normally portrayed only by musical instruments, this mounting of the show incorporates actor-dancers, who bring movement to this cautionary tale of obedience, courage and bravado with the requisite drama - and comedy, which young audiences so love. The performers will be headed up by the respected dancer, teacher and all-round dance doyen, Nigel Hannah, as Peter’s ultra-fit and flexible Grandfather.

Says the show’s director, Sylvaine Strike, “While we've shown due reverence to its classic roots, the show now has a more contemporary feel. I have developed the style of the show on the premise that a child’s imagination is limitless. For me, ‘Peter and the Wolf’ is the outline of a story filled with so much potential to go just about anywhere. I am fascinated by the child’s capacity to create an imaginary world for himself and believe in it completely. It is a world in which he is able to conquer his fears, talk to animals, discover a love for nature and his environment, and more importantly, play alone without being entertained; something very few children today are able to do. It is from this angle that I entered this creative process with my performers.”

“We're very lucky to have respected choreographers Esther Nasser and Thabo Rapoo on board, seeing to the dance aspects of the show. Working alongside these two phenomenal talents extends the piece beyond Prokofiev’s evocative music, developing movement of the animal and human characters to their full physical potential. This, again, adds new elements to an old favourite."

MAIN AND ALTERNATE CAST

Peter: Sibusiso Ngcobo / Tebogo Matlaila
Bird: Liyabula Gongo / Wendy Anne Michaels
Duck: Thabo Rapoo / Yuhl Headman
Cat: Kristen Wilson / Liyabula Gongo
Wolf: Michael Jakavula
Narrator: Brian Webber
Grandfather: Nigel Hannah

THE CREATIVE TEAM

Sylvaine Strike, Director
Sylvaine Strike is the Artistic Director of the Fortune Cookie Theatre Company, which she co-founded alongside Brian Webber. Sylvaine has established herself as a leading stage, TV and film actress, voice-over artist, creator and director since 1994. Having received her training from the UCT Drama School 1991-'93, she went on to specialise in physical theatre and movement analysis at the Ecole Jacques Lecoq in Paris, 1998-2000. She is best known for her company’s innovative plays that have captivated audiences both nationally and internationally, amongst which are ‘Fortunately’, ‘The Travellers’, ‘Coupé’, ‘Pregnant Pause’ and ‘The Butcher Brothers’. She has also been kept busy juggling theatre work with appearances in local and international TV, and numerous film projects, such as ‘District 9’, ‘Spud’, ‘Liefling’ and ‘Winnie’. Sylvaine Strike is the recipient of the 2006 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Drama, and was one of the 25 worldwide nominees in line for the prestigious Rolex Mentor Protégé Arts Initiative 2010.

Esther Nasser, Choreographer
Esther Nasser, Artistic Director and Producer of the Tshwane Dance Theatre, is one of the best-known and most highly respected figures on the South African dance scene. The former Artistic Director of the State Theatre Dance Company, she has been actively involved in the transformation process in local dance and theatre, and has made it her business to discover and develop latent talent in South Africans from all social strata. Apart from creating - and boosting - the careers of many young dancers, she has also been very active in helping dance academies build professional profiles, thus establishing themselves as major players in dance, both nationally and internationally. Esther just recently completed the choreography for the new musical Jock of the Bushveld, which has been playing at the Jo'burg Theatre in Braamfontein.

Nigel Hannah, Dancer

Nigel Hannah was a student at the Royal Ballet School from the age of 12. He joined the former PACT Ballet as a member of the corps de ballet in 1977, and in 1992 was the first dancer to achieve the status of Character Principle with the company. His career has seen him dance nearly every character role within the ballet repertoire. Some of his most notable roles include Widow Simone and Alain in La Fille Mal Gardee, Madge in La Sylphide, Dr Falké and the Jailer in Rosalinda, and Dr Coppélius in Coppelia. In recent years, he has gone on to teach, consult and adjudicate, and generally become an integral and highly regarded player on the local ballet scene.

Thabo Rapoo, Dancer and Choreographer
Thabo began dancing with a Pantsula group in the mid-’80s, but it was a three-year diploma in dance at the Johannesburg Dance Foundation that exposed him to a wide range of styles. His professional dance career began in 2002, when he entered two works at the FNB Vita Dance Umbrella. His work has also been enjoyed locally at the Grahamstown National Art Festival, and has travelled as far as Italy, Austria, Luxembourg and Sweden. He frequently holds workshops in South Africa and Botswana, constantly striving to develop new and upcoming talent. In 2008/9 he was awarded a Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year Award, and recently spent three months in Indonesia, studying Javanese Classical dance. Thabo has choreographed numerous openings for prestigious TV shows and expositions, and also functions as Resident Choreographer at Moving into Dance Mophatong, in addition to occupying various postings in dance education.
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For school bookings, contact Queen (queenm@promusica.co.za) or Nevolan (nevolanr@promusica.co.za) on 011 674 1356/7/8/9 or fax on 011 674 2365.
Other bookings can be made at Computicket Outlets (Checkers Hyper and Shoprite), or online at http://www.computicket.com/
***
VENUE: Joburg Promusica’s Main Auditorium
DATES: November 11th – December 15th 2010
TICKETS: R75 (Public Performances; adults)
R50 (Kids/School Bookings)
For the time listings on each show, and to check which are school shows or public performances, visit http://www.promusica.co.za/
The Joburg Promusica theatre complex, situated within the Civic Centre at 100 Christiaan De Wet Drive, Florida Park, Roodepoort, offers ample free and guarded parking for patrons.
Please note that these are rehearsal Images of Peter and the Wolf

Award-winning Afrikaans one woman show for limited run

November 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th

The award-winning Afrikaans one woman show Die Naaimasjien with Sandra Prinsloo is heading to the Promusica Theatre Complex on the West Rand for a short and limited season only. Since it has scooped the Nagtegaal award for best new Afrikaans stage script, Die Naaimasjien has played to packed houses and standing ovations across South Africa.
Die Naaimasjien is the very first stage play written by the Afrikaans author Rachelle Greeff. It was first staged at the Suidooster Festival in Cape Town in January 2009 and then travelled across the country. It won the prestigious Absa KKNK Kanna award for the most popular production at the 2009 KKNK in Oudtshoorn, while Sandra Prinsloo received the Kanna award for best female artist for her heart-wrenching performance.

Hennie van Greunen, the director of blockbuster productions like Shirley Valentyn and more recently Dinsdae with Morrie, adapted the play for the stage. He directed Prinsloo in the play which is set in an old age home. The main character Magdaleen is saying goodbye to Miss Muffett – the name she gave her Bernina sewing macine. Magdaleen awaits the arrival of the buyer of her beloved sewing machine, but starts walking through her life and magical memories. There is her husband, Tielman, her four children and of course the apple of her eye, Wim.

Die Naaimasjien is an epic poem about happiness, loss and forgiveness. The play marked the return of Sandra Prinsloo to the stage after 15 years and is a must-see for all theatre lovers.

“This Nagtegaal Scriptwriting prize winner is a play with legs. There are many contributing factors for this show’s success, and the theme of ageing not the least of them. With the baby boomers dealing with ageing parents, an audience is guaranteed. Its success has much to do with Hennie van Greunen’s introduction of different characters’ voices and Prinsloo creating a main character with a gentle heart, but spunky soul.”

Pretoria News – Diane de Beer

To book tickets:
Contact Pamella Nyeke on 087 830 0030 or 072 545 5629.
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VENUE: Joburg Promusica’s Theatre
DATES: Thursday 11 November at 8pm, Friday 12 November at 8pm, Saturday 13 November at 8pm and Sunday 14 November at 3pm

TICKETS: R120:00, 140:00, R150:00

The Joburg Promusica theatre complex, situated within the Civic Centre at 100 Christiaan De Wet Drive, Florida Park, Roodepoort, offers ample free and guarded parking for patrons.

MTN MIss Soweto was Crowned Mangali Ngcobo

Miss Soweto in the Middle Mangali Ngcobo

The hottest event this year took place right  in Soweto  at the Nasrec Expo centre on the 29 October 2010, it was schedule to start at 20pm but we was delayed and people who have attended the event and members of the media were told to wait  outside while the organizer were still busy with something inside, people waited impatiently, in one hour and half the show started. Crowning Miss Soweto 2010 rock Jozi’s World in a start studded line-up comprising of Prokid, Liquiddeep, RJ Benjamin, Pebbles & Deep Level in a stage perfomance chorographed by fashion and stage extraordinaire Somizi Mhlongo- the show also featured power insert by “Praise poet Masoja Msiza.

The spotlight however firmly focused on the contestants that have made it through the trials and tribulations of the Crowning Miss Soweto reality TV series. The top 20 finalist took up residence in the Crowning Miss Soweto in June 2010 and faced tasks and survived eliminations. The process whittled the contestants down to the top 12 finalist who competed stage.

The grand final of the pageant not only sees the Crowning of Miss Soweto 2010 but also announces the winner of the “Miss SoAyobaWeto” a new category. Viewers at home were also given a opportunity to vote for their favourate personality who kept them glued to their screens offering a suspenseful, energy-packed blend of dynamic character development, drama and intrigue. It was won by Duduzile Sepeng and she became the ambassador for the pageant, Miss SoayobaWeto” 2010 is equivalent of Miss Personality.

The newly Crowned Miss Soweto Mangali Ngcobo, Liesel Laurie and Zanela Masuku   address the media after the event, I realized that I have a potential of being crown Miss Soweto when I had about the auditions and I took a chance to enter and here I’m today miss Soweto, I’m going to use this as a stepping stone for me to uplift the community of Soweto to try and change their lives she said.

Miss Soweto was also attended by the Fashion Guru Sonwabile Ndamase, Sophi Ndaba of Generations, Lupi of Metro fm. and other known celebrities to garece the night in Soweto

Daniele Pascal – A Touch of Venus

Popular French chanteuse Dr Daniele Pascal is celebrating 25 glorious years in South Africa, with a brand new, vibrant and heartwarming cabaret featuring an eclectic mix of songs. Her overwhelming popularity continues, as she pushes boundaries musically and emotionally.

From her opening song “My Discarded Men”, the mood is set. A cheeky and delightful cabaret, including songs penned by recording artists such as Laurie Anderson, Marianne Faithfull, Eartha Kitt, Peggy Lee, Frida Boccara, Edith Piaf, and of course Jacques Brel, Leonard Cohen, Michel Legrand, Charles Aznavour and Kurt Weil. Her audience can look forward to songs such as “Windmills of My Mind”, “The Dream Before”, “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan”, “Is That All There Is”, “One Touch of Venus”, “Old Fashioned Girl”, “C’est Magnifique”, plus a few surprises from her upcoming album. An unforgettable performance with a selection of crowd-pleasing melodies and show-stoppers.

Pascal shares the stage with talented pianist Pieter du Plessis. An enchanting evening not to missed!

Tickets are available now, directly from the theatre:
Contact Queen at 011 674 1356

VENUE: Joburg Promusica, The Basement Theatre

DATE & TIME: Friday, November 26th at 7.30pm

TICKETS: R120 (tables)
R100 (high chairs)

The Joburg Promusica theatre complex, situated within the Civic Centre at 100 Christiaan De Wet Drive, Florida Park, Roodepoort, offers ample free and guarded parking for patrons.

blackdogg Media: Me and My Shadow - Tenye flies solo with a little ...

blackdogg Media: Me and My Shadow - Tenye flies solo with a little ...: "Tenye flies solo - with a little help from her friends! November 19th and 20th Singer/songwriter tenye (a.k.a. Tendayi Nyeke), the co-write..."

Me and My Shadow - Tenye flies solo with a little help from her friends

Tenye flies solo - with a little help from her friends!
November 19th and 20th
Singer/songwriter tenye (a.k.a. Tendayi Nyeke), the co-writer/director of the musical ‘The Signs’ (2009) and producer of Zimbabwe-inspired pop musical ‘Flying Kites with Boys’, has been busy again, and has conjured up a musical journey that explores the things we wish we could say but sometimes lack the courage to admit - those issues that lurk in the shadows...

From singing about being on the rebound, to talking about the highs and lows of being a 20-something year-old woman and the joy of having God in her life, ‘Me and My Shadow’ is a rollercoaster of emotion and inspired introspection. This upbeat and tuneful show aims to have audiences laughing at themselves and each other, with the reminder that even through life’s toughest circumstances, there is always hope.

Tenye explains, “When I got dumped I wrote a song, when I was angry I wrote a song, when a guy used a lame pick-up line on me or when I was the picker-upper, I wrote a song. I’m always watching and thinking about life and its situations, and I love finding the music to express these moments.”

Tenye’s sound interchanges acoustic-soul influences with a touch of jazz and occasional African undertones, courtesy of her fellow travellers, the accomplished music producer and pianist Godwin Nyabadza, and percussionist Tino Dangarembwa (known for his work with Lira and HHP), who also plays the distinctly Zimbabwean Mbira.
Life is good, tenye insists, even through the eyes of your shadow!
To book tickets:
Contact Pamella Nyeke on 087 830 0030 or 072 545 5629.
***
VENUE: Joburg Promusica’s Basement Theatre
DATES: Friday November 19th – 8pm
Saturday November 20th – 3pm and 8pm shows
TICKETS: R80

blackdogg Media: CROWN AWARDS FINAL NOMINEES OUT!

blackdogg Media: CROWN AWARDS FINAL NOMINEES OUT!: "Ambassadors and loyalists of gospel music in South Africa & beyond gear up to meet their fate as the final nominees for the 3rd SABC Crown ..."

CROWN AWARDS FINAL NOMINEES OUT!

Ambassadors and loyalists of gospel music in South Africa & beyond gear up to meet their fate as the final nominees for the 3^rd SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards hosted by KZN Government are announced in Gold Reef City, on Friday, 22 October 2010.

Four nominees per category have made it to the final round. Following their announcement, the nominees will again undergo intensive judging phase, to come up with one winner to be crowned. (With an exception of three public voted categories)

On behalf of the organisers, the World Gospel Powerhouse, Sbu Buthelezi is elated by the response the gospel enthusiasts have shown this year. “We are highly excited by the phenomenal response we received in terms of entries. The number was almost doubled from last years.  We are now urging the public to vote in numbers for their favourites. The participation of the public in this phase is a determining factor of who will be the ultimate winner.”

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government is once again playing host to the 3^rd SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards.

“It is an honor and a privilege that the people of KwaZulu-Natal are going to be part of the celebrations of the successes and achievements of gospel artists who come from all over the country and beyond our borders. More importantly, the awards ceremony will be the culmination of sterling work of producers, music promoters, radio, TV presenters, event organizers and sponsors, says Ndabezinhle Sibiya, KZN Government’s Spokesperson.

He adds, “Their hard work and dedication has helped shape gospel music and in the process allowed gospel artists inspire millions of people across the country and in neighboring countries. Gospel music knows no age boundaries. Families can talk about it, sing it and enjoy it anytime of the day. Gospel serves as glue that binds families together.”

“Many young people are at the brink of reaching for their stars and dreams. No doubt, Gospel music has the potential to inspire and encourage them to stick in there even if it seems impossible.

In conclusion, Sibiya urges, “This country faces challenges of drug abuse, teenage pregnancy and the spread of HIV/Aids. I want to call upon gospel musicians to join government as we embark on a campaign for the prevention of teenage pregnancy.

 “We are highly encouraged by the growth of the SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards to 26 categories this year. Gospel music represents one of the most popular genres with SABC1’s youthful audience and therefore the channel’s association with the Crown Gospel Music Awards reflects this natural attraction,” says Vukile Madlala, SABC1 Publicity Manager.

“The majority of Mzansi’s gospel artists are drawn from the ranks of the youth of Mzansi, and our channel prides itself as the custodian of Mzansi’s rich youth culture, and the channel is a national platform available to them to showcase their creative talents.” 

The public will  get to vote in three categories namely Best Gospel Artist, Best Gospel Song and Classic of All Times and is urged to vote for their favourites by calling 0841983292 or sms’ng 34069 at R2

Come 21 November, the World Gospel Powerhouse promises a bigger and a better than before ‘Royal event of the year’ as they bring the ICC Arena to a standstill !

blackdogg Media: NATANIËL IN CONCERT

blackdogg Media: NATANIËL IN CONCERT: "Singer, songwriter, author and entertainer Nataniël will appear at the Joburg Promusica Theatre in two exclusive concerts with pianist Charl..."

NATANIËL IN CONCERT

Singer, songwriter, author and entertainer Nataniël will appear at the Joburg Promusica Theatre in two exclusive concerts with pianist Charl du Plessis on November 5 & 6.
Since his solo debut Nataniël has released 14 albums, published 12 books, completed numerous concert tours and staged more than 50 original stage productions. Recently he wowed audiences nationwide with his acclaimed productions, THE HONG KONG KISS, CATHEDRAL and CORONATION, his most successful stage production to date.
His concert at the Joburg Promusica Theatre will not only include highlights from these productions, but also feature new and original songs, new arrangements of well - known favourites, belters and torch songs, comedy, stories and sketches in both English and Afrikaans, lots of fantasy and as usual, a brand new collection of outfits by Floris Louw.
Nataniël shares the stage with Steinway Artist Charl du Plessis. Dr Du Plessis has been the official pianist for Nataniël House of Music since 2000 and has performed in more than 1000 concerts all across South Africa with this legend of the stage.
            - Friday 5 November 20:00
            - Saturday 6 November 20:00

The Joburg Promusica Theatre complex, situated within the Civic Centre at Florida Park, Roodepoort, offers ample free, guarded parking for patrons.
Tickets are R120:00 and bookings can be made at any Computicket outlet, or online at http://www.computicket.com/