International jazz pianist pays tribute to the legacy of Steve Biko at Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF)

The  Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) takes place from Friday July 4 to Sunday July 13, at the US Konservatorium in Stellenbosch, where concerts, masterclasses and more, form part of the 20th milestone of one of the world`s most prestigious annual classical music gatherings.

The featured composer at SICMF this year is the internationally acclaimed Boston-based jazz pianist, Kevin Harris whose specially commissioned work “Resonance” will receive its world premiere at SICMF on Tuesday July 8.

It is a "Contemporary symphonic reflection through the courageous lens of Steve Biko" and it is based on the written works of Biko.

SICMF Artistic Director Nina Schumann has always used the SICMF to give a voice to anti-Apartheid activists, and more often than not, this slot has featured courageous individuals who were it not for the SICMF, might have remained completely unknown to its audiences.

The first prominent figure to combine his voice with music on this platform was the late Denis Goldberg, one of the lesser-known Rivonia Trialists, who, because of his love for music and continued affiliation with the SICMF, became its second patron after Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

Goldberg’s powerful 2017 performance of “Moments in a Life” set to music by Mathijs van Dijk can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPqa18xPmZc

In 2018, the SICMF commissioned Neo Muyanga, to compose a large chamber work for instrumental ensemble and four solo singers.

“Makeda”, an expression of black consciousness, was performed by singers from the UCT Opera School and an ensemble of internationally acclaimed musicians drawn from the SICMF faculty. In 2019, the SICMF commissioned a work celebrating the life of Johnny Clegg.

It was jointly composed by Antoni Schonken and Arthur Feder and narrated by Gloria Bosman. This performance was even more poignant given that Clegg was terminally ill at the time and passed away just two days after the final day of the 2024 festival.

In 2022, The SICMF presented the world premiere of Kathleen Tagg’s “Please Dream: In his Words” which featured recordings of powerful speeches by Desmond Tutu. In 2023, the life and work of Tina Schouw was featured, with Tina herself narrating her story to a backdrop of music by New York based South African composer, Mikhaila Alyssa Smith.

In 2024, Pieter Bezuidenhout was commissioned to write a piece based on narrative extracts from the celebrated anthology of African folklore by Zulu sangoma, Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa.

Kevin Harris is part of the exclusive YAMAHA roster of Jazz piano artists. Among his most notable collaborations are Terri Lyne Carrington, Dayna Stephens, Ralph Peterson and Ameen Saleem.

His original new symphonic work is based on the written black consciousness works of anti-Apartheid activist Steven Biko. With this innovative composition, Harris endeavors to bring into view how Biko's actions and words, when held up to present-day society as a mirror, can provide a source of reflection on progress achieved or lack thereof.

In Harris’s own words, “It’s an invitation for audiences to reflect on those who suffer in the shadows while also upsetting those who comfortably benefit from status quo.”

The work fosters connection among disparate audiences by using improvised and written music, with jazz and classical musicians performing alongside each other. Harris believes that “in this exciting work, both music and spoken word, will foster and grow seeds grounded in the inspirational life of Steve Biko.”

Harris will be accompanied by spoken word artist, Namisa Mdlalose, and a rhythm section comprising, Lumanyano Biza, drums and Stephen de Souza, bass. A SICMF faculty ensemble will be conducted by Xandi van Dijk.

In addition to performing, Harris will also be hosting workshops on contemporary improvisational piano considerations for classical performers and composers. By employing melodic, harmonic and rhythmic considerations of the jazz tradition, Harris has developed exciting teaching concepts showing the commonalities between Jazz and classical disciplines.

His method is said to benefit musicians who have learned in the European classical tradition to recognize and employ their own improvisational creativity. 

Tickets are available from Webtickets.