Four UKZN Music Students to Perform with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra

Four University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Music students have distinguished themselves by being selected to perform with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in their prestigious Young Performers Concert, to be held at the Playhouse in October.

The annual concert showcases KwaZulu-Natal’s most talented music and vocal students performing with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, Africa’s premier orchestra.

Lecturer of Music at UKZN, Dr Andrew Warburton, said: “The selection process was rigorous, with over 40 musicians applying from throughout the province. Only 10 were selected for the final performance by a panel of six leading specialists in the field of classical music.”

Mr Lunga Zozi, Ms Lizzy Phisane, Mr Lindani Mthimkhulu and Ms Nonkanyiso Khumalo are the gifted student musicians whose love and passion for music first drew them to UKZN and have now catapulted them onto the stage with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra.

Inspired by UKZN’s stellar reputation for artistic excellence within its Music Discipline, and ability to produce award-winning artists such as Black Coffee and Zakes Bantwini, the foursome know that they are in the best hands to build successful individual careers.

It was a case of second-time lucky for Zozi, a final-year Music student, who left his third year of an Accounting degree to follow his passion and study Music. “I have always been close to music and was drawn to instruments but never had anyone to teach me. I would watch the keyboard players at church and would try to imitate them. I watched YouTube videos and taught myself how to play.”

Zozi feels blessed to have this opportunity. “I will be performing Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto No.1 in A minor (first movement), one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed. It is not easy to get an opportunity to perform with an orchestra as a pianist and soloist, so this is monumental for me and my career.”

Zozi believes music is a way of communicating a message or story. “Unlike vocal music with singers vocalising the story with lyrics, composers of instrumental music provoke emotions through the music alone. I am fascinated by this.”

Phisane, also a fourth-year student, says her life has always included music. “From an early age, I knew that music was an effective medium for communication and expression, enabling me to communicate feelings and establish connections with others that words alone can’t always express.”

She describes being chosen to perform with the KZN Philharmonic as an “amazing pleasure” but says it is also the result of hard work, effort and commitment. Phisane looks forward to the experience and the chance to learn from seasoned artists. “I feel that my work and enthusiasm for music are being validated, and I’m excited to contribute and develop in this setting.”

Khumalo a third-year student said: “Music has defined my life and given me purpose.” She added, “This opportunity is an honour and a culmination of hard work and dedication.”

Mthimkhulu, the youngest of the four is in his second year of study majoring in voice as a tenor. He found his singing voice in Grade seven and fell in love, then joined his high school choir in Pongola, northern KZN and has never looked back.

“I used to participate in small ensembles, and I was so good that I knew I wanted to continue with music. I am ecstatic to be selected to perform with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, and I am grateful for such a great opportunity.”

Mthimkhulu’s passion is infectious. “I want to be a performer and write music for theatre productions and concerts to make art accessible to my generation. I want to be the shining star.”

All four talented young musicians are determined to continue growing as musicians and educators. They aspire to perform on the global stage with leading orchestras and musicians, creating music that moves and inspires others as deeply as they have been touched by its magic.

Words and photograph: Jennene Naidu