The Africa Voices Trust Gala Concert: Voices of Hope, is both a showcase of the extraordinary talent of the next generation of leaders in the music industry as well as a benefit concert to support the Africa Voices Trust.
The Africa Voices Trust is a non-profit organisation geared towards the development of highly talented and deserving young South African musicians. Through high level mentorship across all musical genres, the Africa Voices experience is designed to fast-track and elevate participants to international standards and nurture a new generation of socially responsible leaders within the arts.
There are no academic nor financial requirements to gain entry to the programme, ensuring that great talent does not fall by the wayside. This unprecedented music education and youth leadership opportunity is offered free of charge and is completely dependant on donations and funding.
Featured vocalists in the concert have all successfully completed the most recent programme in Opera and Musical Theatre. The Voices of Hope Gala Concert marks their graduation and also gives them the opportunity to raise funds for the Trust. This allows graduates to empower others in the future. All proceeds of the concert will go towards the next programme scheduled to start in July 2015.
"We have been privileged to witness the growth of these exceptional individuals and over the course of the programme, they have exceeded our greatest expectations." says Jessica Schnehage, managing director of the Africa Voices Trust. "It is truly inspiring to encounter such talent, as it reflects the bright future that our music industry can aspire to. The participants were selected for their musical talent, leadership potential, charisma and artistic vision. They have shown us that they have the courage to hold themselves to the highest standards."
Directed by the acclaimed Magdalene Minnaar of Biblioteek Productions, the Voices of Hope concert will introduce eight dynamic young singers in various genres. It is an emotive story reflecting on the journey of life – including themes of heartbreak and adversity, inspiration and hope.
"Vusi Mahlasela is a legend in the South African Music industry, who inspires countless artists. We are delighted that he will be on stage and performing with the graduates as an Africa Voices Trust Ambassador."
There will also be an award ceremony for participants who have excelled during the course of the programme. One of these awards is the Caroli Singing Award which is offered in association with the internationally acclaimed Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich. This award enables the deserving participant to travel to Germany in order to gain experience and network in the European Opera industry. A bursary for excellence and potential in musical theatre and the Africa Voices Leadership Through Music Award will also be presented on the night.
Production: Voices of Hope Gala Concert
Date: Friday, 8 May
Time: 20:00
Venue: The Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town
Cost: R130 to R150
Bookings can be made via Computicket.
For more information visit the Africa Voices Trust website. Join the conversation on Facebook and follow them on Twitter using the #VoicesOfHope and #LeadershipThroughMusic hashtags.