Dear Music Lovers

Today marks the start of week 2 of Lockdown in South Africa. This has been quite a challenge for everyone – especially those in the arts. Nobody really knows the timelines or consequences – this is the case across the world  and here in South Africa we are learning along with everyone else.

However it has also brought us all closer together. Many musicians are facing dire consequences, having lost all sources of income and across the internet there are zoom discussions and online support with creative and innovative ideas being shared on teaching methods and performance opportunities.  Some musicians have begun experimenting with online concerts, either free on Facebook or with tickets sold via Quicket and Webtickets –  and this will continue to grow in the weeks ahead. Fundraising initiatives will also be created. Currently most live events are restricted to solo performances. but there has already been some wonderful music pre-recorded and then edited together and this also has a way of unifying and inspiring people across all continents. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eXT60rbBVk

Teachers are also experimenting with Zoom and Skype to provide online lessons for their students. While not all students have access to the internet or data, it still is providing a positive connection for many.

Our beloved orchestra is also working on strategies to keep going through this difficult time and you are all very much in their thoughts.  Here is a message from Bernhard Gueller :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-bLEGCig6w&feature=youtu.be

Closer to home Fine Music Radio has been classified as an essential service and are broadcasting daily to keep you company with 24 hours of classical and jazz on 101.3fm as well as DSTV channel 838 and streaming via their website http://www.fmr.co.za. Over the next couple of months, they will be replacing some of the midday Cape Diary slots with a mix of local artists who have been unable to perform during this time, keeping you updated on any virtual concerts as well as live performances once the current situation moves behind us.

In the interim you can also find much music online.. pianists Charl du Pless and Christopher Duigan are performing regular house concerts – https://charlduplessis.com/.  Christopher has also uploaded all his recordings for you to listen to:  https://www.musicrevival.co.za/listen

Further afield there are a number of orchestral and opera recordings being broadcast free of charge. You can look these up here: https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/live-streamed-classical-music-concerts-coronavirus/

for opera you can check here: https://operawire.com/a-comprehensive-list-of-all-opera-companies-offering-free-streaming-services-right-now/

We hope all FOM members keep well and safe and we look forward to seeing you all again soon. Please do contact me with any queries and please keep all our Cape Town musicians in your thoughts.

Kind regards
Louise Howlett
for Friends of Orchestral Music