On Thursday 25 September, the curtain rises on the National School of the Arts’ inaugural classical soirée featuring orchestra, soloists and choir.
This event, which starts promptly at 19:00 in the NSA Hall, promises to be an unforgettable celebration of orchestral music; from timeless classical pieces to popular contemporary works performed by the school’s leading musicians. The orchestra is under the shared baton of Lucky Moletsane, Cecelia Manyama and Nqobile Mhlungu, while the NSA choir is under the direction of Xolani Noveld and Bongani Makhanya.
“The music department is delighted to showcase our orchestra, choir and featured soloists in this classical music programme,” says Head of Department, Mr Thabang Phiri, himself an award-winning opera singer with international experience. “It is important for our learners to be versatile. They must be able to segue from one style to the next without a problem. We demand the same disciplined approach from the first upbeat to the final downbeat, whether it is Mozart or contemporary Jazz,” concluded Phiri.
The repertoire includes the elegant and dreamy Pavane by Gabriel Faure, the haunting Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission by Ennio Morricone, the playful sultry Tango from Thomas Newman’s Scent of a Woman, and the tender O Mio Babbino Caro by Puccini. The ever-popular Prayer from Quest for Camelot composed by David Foster with lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager made famous by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli is also included in the well curated line-up which also features alums Ndumiso Buthelezi (baritone) and Naledi Dweba (clarinet).
This inaugural classical Soirée is a significant introduction to the NSA’s annual performance calendar. In a world where creativity and self-expression are increasingly vital, events like this soiree provide a crucial outlet for young artists to hone their craft, build confidence, and connect with audiences. The power of performance lies not only in its ability to entertain but also to inspire, educate, and bring people together. It also a testament to the NSA’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for artistic growth and development across all genres of the arts.
The Classical Soirée is also an important fundraiser for the music department for the ongoing refurbishment and purchase of instruments, music stands, and orchestra and choir uniforms! Should anyone wish to donate money to the music department please contact the school using the details below. As a registered NPO with PBO status, we can issue tax-deductible certificates (section 18A) for all contributions received.
Tickets for the soirée are priced at R100 and can be booked in advance at The Marketing and Development House (MaD House), EFTs can be made directly into the NSA school account (The National School of the Arts, Current Account, Branch: Johannesburg 205, Acc Number: 200455974) Please forward the POP along with the relevant details to shop@artschool.co.za. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the beauty and passion of classical music, performed by the next generation of artists from the National School of the Arts – South Africa’s leading School of Specialisation in Performing and Creative Arts.
Date: Thursday, 25 September
Time: 19:00
Venue: National School of the Arts (NSA) – HALL
Tickets: R100
Bookings: The MaD House, shop@artschool.co.za and at the door.
We look forward to seeing you at the Classical Soirée 2025 – which will doubtless be an evening to remember. Book your tickets now!
Media Enquiries:
Brenda Sakellarides
sakellaridesb@artschool.co.za
082 600 6739
The National School of the Arts is GDE School of Specialisation in Performing and Creative Arts. Admission to the NSA is secured via a successful audition in one of the four fields of specialisation: art, dance, drama or music. The NSA has been at the forefront of specialised education for over half a century. The school is situated in Braamfontein Johannesburg and serves creative youth from across the country.
