Times Of Swaziland: MBABANE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SHINES IN JO’BURG COLLABORATION MBABANE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SHINES IN JO’BURG COLLABORATION ================================================================================ Mxolisi Dlamini on 31/10/2024 07:02:00 MBABANE - The Mbabane Chamber Orchestra recently captivated audiences at the Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg during a special collaborative concert entitled ‘Only Together: A Movie Night with Orchestra’. This event highlighted the orchestra’s continued commitment to engaging and entertaining audiences across the region. The concert featured a unique format where multiple conductors took turns leading the combined orchestras through various stages of performance, showcasing a diverse repertoire that appealed to both music enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. Encouraged Audience members were encouraged to participate actively, responding to cues with enthusiastic shouts of ‘mambo’ and guessing the themes of popular television shows through the medleys presented. As Eswatini’s first and only orchestra, the Mbabane Chamber Orchestra represents a significant achievement in the kingdom’s cultural landscape. Established as a key outcome of the Africa Ntjilo Empowerment (ANE) cultural and arts education initiatives, the orchestra is a testament to the work being done to uplift marginalised communities through music. ANE, founded in 2017, has played a pivotal role in establishing the Eswatini Institute of Music and Art, the nation’s first music university, alongside running after-school orchestra education programmes aimed at nurturing the next generation of musicians. The Mbabane Chamber Orchestra is characterised by its diverse membership; comprising musicians from various countries, including South Korea, the United States, Germany, and South Africa. Collaboration This international collaboration enriches the orchestra’s performances, adding depth and variety to its sound. For followers of orchestral music in Eswatini, the successful outing in Johannesburg is a reminder of the vibrant artistic community emerging within the kingdom. The orchestra’s efforts not only enhance cultural appreciation but also foster a sense of connection among music lovers in the region, promising even more exciting performances in the future.