International Music Ensemble Set For Bulawayo

By Denzel Tshuma

The Zimbabwe Academy of Music is set to host internationally acclaimed music ensemble MMB for its 30th anniversary celebrations in Bulawayo later this month.

The event will mark the first time the Canadian-based programme performs in Africa, with two gala concerts titled Soundscapes: A Musical Collaboration scheduled for May 22 and 23 at the academy.

The concerts will feature collaborations between international faculty, alumni and local performers including Whitestone Choir, Girls College Choir, Vuyi Sax and Tich Makalisa.

Speaking to Skyz Metro FM, Academy Principal Michael Bullivant and violin teacher Mrs Price said the visit will also focus on mentoring young Zimbabwean musicians through educational workshops.

In the interview, Mr Bullivant said, “We teach music to anybody who would to learn from age 6 and we’ve had a student who was over 80 not so long ago. We have Bursaries for people who can’t afford our fees. We are open to all and we’re very much hoping these concerts will give us considerable publicity and help us to increase our enrollment.”

Mrs Price added that, “I am sincerely hoping that my students are inspired. That my students feel able to dream, to reach for a higher standard, because they see somebody doing it. Somebody not that far from their age, who has achieved it. Bringing the dream a little bit closer to home and also the raising of the standard of my students playing through the exposure with their expertise.”

The concerts begin at 6:30 PM, with proceeds from the US$5 admission fee set to support music education initiatives in Bulawayo.