Saturday, September 3, 2011

Soweto String Quartet Line Up Family Concert


LISTENING to jazz and classical music that is punctuated with drum and dance rhythms in a plush garden on a Saturday afternoon makes for a refreshing experience.


Tomorrow afternoon Raintree Gardens in Umwinsdale will present such a unique experience when South Africa's Soweto String Quartet teams up with local acts of Dudu Manhenga, Jazz Invitation, Drum Café and Essence of Women in a family concert.

With their violins, viola and cello Soweto String Quartet always serenade audiences with classical tunes that exude legendary expertise. Manhenga is known for her soothing jazz tunes that have endeared her with music lovers in the country and abroad. Fresh from a tour of Italy, Manhenga is likely to be rejuvenated to lead her Color Blue through a spirited performance.

Also presenting a jazz act will be Jazz Invitation, a group that boasts wealthy vocal and instrument experience. Jazz Invitation has a reputation of sending audiences to dance with sober-but-danceable tunes. They spice their original compositions with copyrights from various local and international music greats.

The event will have a traditional African feel courtesy of Drum Café Zimbabwe, an ensemble of drummers that will present various rhythms and showcase their skills with drums from different parts of Africa. The Drum Cafe concept is a unique hands-on application of African drums and percussion that not only entertains but energises the audience. It was launched in Zimbabwe recently.

It will also be an afternoon of dance as an assemblage of female dancers known as Essence of Women will also take to the stage. Their thrilling fusion of traditional and contemporary dances has left people asking for more at various occasions.

The dance troupe has a mission to promote and encourage dance amongst women of all cultures here in Zimbabwe, and to provide a platform for young choreographers to showcase their work.
Through the leadership of Soukaina Edom they aim to express the universal spirit of womanhood.
Raintree Gardens' executive director Tenjiwe Mutiti said the show would be a great opportunity for families to socialise and have fun in an exciting environment.

"The gardens present a refreshing environment and the music will complement such a setting, giving audience a refreshing afternoon," she said.

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