The Mzansi National Orchestra will mark the start of President Cyril Ramaphosa's second term in office with a special musical performance.
The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra (Mzansi NPO) will perform at the inauguration of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday 19 June at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The landmark event marks the start of President Ramaphosa's second term in office and will be celebrated with special musical performances by the country's National Orchestra and renowned local artists.
The 71-year-old politician was re-elected as President at the first meeting of the National Assembly (NA) on Friday, June 14, at the Cape Town International Conference Centre.
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Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra was officially launched on 14 July 2022 as an initiative of the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture.
The orchestra receives an annual grant of about R20 million from the government and is made up of up to 110 part-time musicians drawn from local orchestras, universities and freelance musicians.
Since its inception, Mzansi NPO has undertaken two short national concert tours which included performances in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Gqebela.
Mzansi National Orchestra featuring Zoe Modiga and Kalendra Devloop
“The performance by the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra will undoubtedly add elegance and cultural significance to the event and highlight the country's commitment to arts and creativity,” Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nojawe Makh said.
“The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is honoured to be part of this momentous event in the country’s history,” enthused Bongani Thembe, the orchestra’s CEO and Artistic Director.
“Under the direction of Chad Hendricks and featuring singer Zoe Modiga and saxophonist Kalendra Devloop, the National Orchestra will present a repertoire that reflects the diversity and richness of South African musical tradition,” he added.
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Zoe Modiga
Modiga, 30, is the recipient of the 2023 Standard Bank Young Artist Award and will be performing his discography, including his debut album. Yellow: Novel; her acclaimed and award-winning second album, Inganekwaneand a highly anticipated and vibrant collection of new works. Good evening, On stage at the National Arts Festival.
The 50th National Arts Festival will take place in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) from 20 to 30 June 2024.
Sing and dance for President Ramaphosa: More top artists perform at inauguration
Other artistes due to perform at the presidential inauguration include Shava, Makhazi, Vicky Sampson, traditional singer Nothembi Mkhwebane and gospel singer Lebo Sekgobela.
