International youth orchestra builds bridges in Stellenbosch
An international youth orchestra which aims to build connection through music whirled through the province early this month.
The International Youth Orchestra Bridges included students from the Stellenbosch and West Coast youth orchestras.
The orchestra was founded by British violinist Ishani Bhoola who has been a member of several international orchestras in the United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America (USA).
Bhoola said the idea came during the Covid-19 pandemic when youth orchestras in the UK were performing online during the worldwide lockdown.
“Everybody was playing online, the school bands and orchestras. I said, ‘Why don’t you play online internationally?’”
She said that's how the collaboration started. The International Youth Orchestra Bridges has young musicians from the UK, USA, Australia and South Africa.
For the tour, 25 of them came from the Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra and another 25 from West Coast Youth Orchestra, with 10 from the UK, one from Australia and one from the USA.
“It's been a long journey and it's great, music has become a language, you build bridges and meet somebody that you don't know, you build connections, hopefully it gives you life skills,” said Bhoola.
International Youth Orchestra Bridges Tour performances were at Frank Petersen Music Centre in Paarl, The Baxter Theatre Centre in Rondebosch, Darling Cellars, Parklands College and the finale at Stellenbosch University.
One of the UK musicians, Harry Scott-Burt, said it was great to have different people together, united in one place, to make music.
He said he enjoyed the atmosphere and seeing the interaction between South African and UK musicians as they got to know each other. They had put alot of hard work into the tour, said Scott-Burt.
The International Youth Orchestra Bridges tour was under the baton of British conductor Alexander Walker, who said this was his first visit to Africa and working on this project had been wonderful, interesting and fun.
He said the International Youth Orchestra Bridges will meet again in the United Kingdom in 2026.
“We have a very interesting plan for 2026; to bring some of the players from South Africa back to the UK. The plan is to take two people from each youth orchestra from each province, and extra players from the schools in each of those provinces. And three students with special needs in addition to that.”
Mathew Lamprecht, a violinist from Paarl Boys’ High School and a member of Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra, said he has been playing the violin for almost a decade.
He said when he heard about the International Youth Orchestra Bridges tour he jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with international musicians.
He said his love for this instrument started when he heard music by one of his favourite violinists, Augustin Hadelich. He asked his mother to help him take violin lessons, got assistance at a local music centre and he is now with the Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra.
“The Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra has had a positive effect on my life, I have met interesting people that I wouldn't have otherwise met,” said Lamprecht.
Kayden Phillips, a trumpet player from Paul Roos Gymnasium, said he has been involved in music for nine years.
He said he started playing in his church orchestra, then Paul Roos Orchestra and Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra.
He said he sees himself growing with music. “I am still busy with Grade 8 for trumpet so I hope I will be able to get a good mark for that. Hopefully this will be able to improve my musical career,” he said.
