The Chris Seabooke Music Centre and our Music Department have been very busy and active in the past week. They also have some very exciting events lined up.
As part of a continued effort to both inspire and educate learners in the field of music, the Chris Seabrooke Music Centre was proud to host José de Eça and Luis Costa of Portugal at a very special concert last Friday. DHS has a long standing relationship with the Portuguese community through its association with the world renowned Portuguese poet Ferdinand Pessoa, who moved to Durban High School in April, 1899. Portugal’s equivalent to Shakespeare, Pessoa was described as one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th Century and one of the greatest poets in the Portuguese language. The evening was organised by the Embassy of Portugal in South Africa in celebration of Portuguese Language Day.
The auditorium was filled with the beautiful music of José and Luis at this singing and piano recital. José de Eça is a tenor of tremendous potential who, at just 22 years of age, stands on the verge of a major international career. Luis Costa took his first piano lesson when he was 8 years old and today maintains an international career, having performed in cities throughout the world.
Thursday 11 May, saw our very first student concert in the Auditorium of the Music Centre.
The concert featured Levi Pillay on trumpet showcasing his choice of Latin Jazz tunes. He appeared with Ntokozo Nsibande (trumpet), Sam Sibisi (drums), Mhlengi Ngwenya (piano), with special guest Aaron Pillay (trumpet). The 15 minute lunch time concert was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.
Natalie Rungan, Head of Music and Director of the Music Centre, said she and the boys loved entertaining the spectators and that they look forward to presenting a concert every Thursday. We look forward to watching and hearing!
Friday 12 May, the DHS Choir performed at the Essenwood Retirement Home in celebration of Mother’s Day. The ladies were delighted to be treated to our boys’ exquisite singing and hope that this will become a yearly event.
Thank you to Ms Rungan, Dr Smith and our boys for filling our School and people’s lives with your amazing sounds!
Exciting Events Ahead:
17 May – the Choir will be participating in the “Choirs in Concert” at Our Lady of Fatima in Durban North. The Concert starts at 6pm in the Fatima School Hall.
27 May – the Choir will be filmed for SABC’s show Imizwilili. A local choral music show which airs on Saturdays from 13h30 to 13h00, it entertains and informs viewers by presenting choral groups in a fresh and exciting way. Date of airing to be confirmed.
1 August – the 1st Annual Drum Line Competition which is planned for 1 August at the School. Prelims and a Face Off (finals) will be held, with an entrance fee for bands and spectators.
For further details contact musicadmin@durbanhighschool.co.za
