Classical music, it's a beautiful sound

22 Aug 2011

Artscape and The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra are celebrating 40 years of the Youth Music Festival. The young soloists are accompanied by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and create something amazing. The Youth Music Festival dates way back before the opening of the Artscape, which was previously called the Nico Malan Theatre - all the way back to 1971. Since then, the festival has showed off the talent of many South Africans regardless of who they are, but based on their exceptional abilities as instrumentalists.

As we take our seats the orchestra is all set up and ready; they are practicing and, although it's just a mish mash of sound, it still sounds beautiful. I am already holding my breath with anticipation, waiting for what's to come next. Nothing could have prepared me for what we I was about to hear.

Ask yourself this: Do you think there is a lot of talent in South Africa? Of course, the answer will be yes. Now imagine that talent between the ages of 16 to 24 and imagine that all backed by a full orchestra in front of your very eyes.

Yes, it's one thing to be 40 years old and an accomplished pianist, violinist or whatever the case may be, but to be 16, 18, 20, or 23 and have the talent that these youngsters have is beyond my comprehension.

Each vibration made a unique sound

It is not only beautiful to hear, but to see as well. Every part of the musicians' bodies move with the music, as though they are the notes flowing out to our eager ears. Everything about them says "I love this with everything I have". The small smiles that creep across their faces and the feeling that one can see as their fingers lovingly create sweet sweet music. It was as though their instruments were an extension of their bodies and each vibration made a unique sound. (Makes me wish I had taken up an instrument.) I closed my eyes and it felt as though I was a part of the music and the music part of me.

A perfect treat

It's not only the music, but also the outfits, no matter how dressed up you were, you still felt under-dressed. It was a perfect treat for the eyes and the ears alike. As I looked around the theatre I could see all eyes glued to the stage - everyone sitting on the edge of their seats to get closer to the music and the atmosphere was tickled with anticipation as to what would be next. (There were standing ovations in the middle of performances; where else would you see this?)

I do warn you that you have to love the arts, and especially classical music played by an orchestra, to be able to enjoy and appreciate a show like this fully. However, in the same breath, I will say that it opened up my mind to something I had never experienced before and would love to experience again.