Konsert van Hoop’ on Freedom Day 27 April at Artscape Operahouse as part of Suidoosterfees
In collaboration with Artscape and ATKV.
With Vicky Sampson, Brandon October, Louis Loock, Anna Davel, Zimbini Ndiyehlela, Suidoosterfees Talent Search finalists Bilqees du Plessis and Caitlyn White, the South African Youth Choir, SboNdaba dancers choreographed by Elvis Sibeko, Dance for All, Schalk Joubert (bass), Blake Hellaby (piano), Kevin Gibson (drums), Frank Freeman (guitar) and Anjulie Vos. (cello)
27 April is Freedom Day, a national opportunity to reflect on hope for all South Africans. Suidoosterfees celebrates this special day in 2023 with a spectacular performance of popular and classical music, opera and dance, presented by Artscape’s top artists, musicians, choirs and the country’s most popular singers. Join us for this festive event in Cape Town and let us show you how it should be done!
The cast of Konsert van Hoop, the variety concert on Freedom Day at Cape Town’s Artscape during Suidoosterfees, features acclaimed artists Vicky Sampson, classical singer Louis Loock from Romanz fame, Anna Davel and Brendan October, and Afro-pop singer Zimbini Ndiyehlela.
Vicky Sampson, regarded as one of South Africa’s greatest singers, says, “It is always a privilege to perform with other artists from various backgrounds and disciplines. The diversity and originality of our beautiful nation inspires me to greater heights. May this concert of hope unite us and remind us how blessed we are to celebrate life.”
Brandon October, who rose to fame as an Idols contestant, is looking forward to Suidoosterfees. “Konsert van hoop is going to lift audiences with dance and song by some of our country’s favourite artists. If there’s one show you shouldn’t miss at the festival this year, this is it.”
Konsert van hoop also showcases finalists of the Suidoosterfees Talent Search competition – Bilqees du Plessis and Caitlyn White. They have stunned adjudicators during the competition with their powerful voices. Bilqees is thrilled about the show on 27 April. “This a great opportunity for me to learn more on a professional level,” she says. “It’s not every day that a girl from Delft can perform with great artists like these.”
Another highlight is the presence of the South African Youth Choir, who will support the soloists. Audiences will get goosebumps when the choir performs Sampson’s evergreen “My African Dream” with the singer. The 54 choir members are school learners and students, hailing from different backgrounds and from all over the country.
Not only does the Youth Choir reflect South Africa’s rich diversity, it promotes the development of young talent on a platform that reaches audiences nationally. Conductor Phil Robinson is passionate about the performing arts. “Art does have the ability to save us in different ways. It acts as a point of salvation, because it has the potential to put beauty back into the world.”
Performers in Konsert van hoop are supported by a stellar band, led by famous bassist Schalk Joubert and pianist Blake Hellaby. The multi-talented Anna Davel, known for putting together shows on a huge scale, will be directing the cast.
Students of Cape Town’s Dance for All will add magic to the music with their dance routines. Dance for All empowers young people in underserviced communities with joy and professional training. Allison Hendricks, head of the dance school, says that the show brings hope to the young dancers, as stated in the name of the concert. “In fact, it brings them more than hope, it provides inspiration as our youngsters are excited to share a stage with the amazing professional artists.”
Dancers of the SboNdaba ensemble will also be adding flair to the concert. Choreographer Elvis Sibeko from Elvis Sibeko Studios is well-known for the powerful way he brings African stories to life in his productions.
Hits by South African artists like PJ Powers and Hotline, Bright Blue and Abdullah Ibrahim will be performed in Konsert van hoop, as well as compositions by cast members Vicky Sampson and Schalk Joubert. Producer Vicky Davis explains, “Audiences can look forward to a series of all-time favourite hits and classics, bringing a message of hope and inspiration in celebration of our nation. Experience Freedom Day with us in an unforgettable way.”
Language: Afr, Eng
Venue: Artscape Opera House
Date and time: 27 April 13:00
Duration: 60 min
Price: R140 | R100
For more information, visit www.suidoosterfees.co.za; book at Computicket.