The FAK’s youth symphony orchestra held their launch concert on Friday in the Cenotaph Hall of the Voortrekker Monument. (Photo: Provided)
The Federation of Afrikaans Cultural Associations (FAK)’s youth symphony orchestra made history on Friday during their launch concert in the Cenotaph Hall of the Voortrekker Monument.
Die youth symphony orchestrawhich was announced last year, has grown into a full-fledged orchestra under the direction of Jaco van Staden, conductor and orchestra leader.
According to Jaco, young musicians get the opportunity to practice and develop their talent and in this way “our musical heritage, which is deeply rooted in our European origins”, is also promoted.
“I am incredibly proud of the band. If you think that they actually only started training at the beginning of February, these kids came out and showed,” says Jaco.
“They exceeded the expectations of a full-fledged symphony orchestra.”
Jaco van Staden, band leader and conductor of the FAK’s youth symphony orchestra. (Photo: Provided)
An incredible atmosphere reigned in the Cenotaph Hall with the support and pride of parents, grandparents and members of the public who attended the concert.
“The audience provided a lot of optimism and a positive energy and the band responded accordingly and gave a beautiful concert. It was a great success.”
According to dr. Danie Langner, the managing director of the FAK and the Voortrekker Monument (VTM), has never experienced anything like this in the Voortrekker Monument.
“This first performance of the FAK Youth Symphony Orchestra was incredible. The attendance was excellent.”
Heinrich Sutton, piano player from Waterkloof High School. (Photo: Provided)
During the concert, the beautiful sounds of Beethoven’s Egmont Overture were heard, as well as excerpts from Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt suite. The concert opened with a beautiful piano performance by Heinrich Sutton, a grade 10 student at Waterkloof High School.
Members of the South African Music Teachers Association (SAMOV) attended the concert and the feedback from this group was positive.
Emileo Claassen (13), is one of the youngest members of the orchestra and although he has played in orchestras before, he says that this orchestra’s music is on a higher level.
Anke Kritzinger (15), a young musician who attended the concert, says she is very impressed. “They are still going to do incredible things.”
The symphony orchestra is a growing orchestra. Instrumentalists who want to join can here make contact
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An audience in rapture. (Photo: Provided)
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The FAK’s youth symphony orchestra made history on Friday. (Photo: Provided)
