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Telling Ma Sisulu's life with song

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Bongani Ndodana
Bongani Ndodana

Another beautiful tribute is from composer Bongani Ndodana-Breen, who has written an orchestral piece called Ma Sisulu Sinfonia.

It is a gentle philharmonic that reflects the quiet strength and resilience of Albertina Sisulu, a matriarch who is one of the giants of South Africa’s liberation movement. The piece draws from the sound world of Sisulu’s Xhosa roots in the Eastern Cape’s Tsomo district.

“When Bongani Tembe [the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra chief executive and artistic director] approached me about composing an orchestral tribute to Ma Sisulu, I was so thrilled and I was immediately taken by his idea of a commemorative piece for Ma Sisulu”, said Ndodana-Breen.

“What struck me about Ma Sisulu’s life is the quiet dignity she exuded, her resilience and steely resolve. She and her family endured so much, from solitary confinement in prison to being harassed by the authorities, being banned and separation from her loved ones. Through all this she was steadfast and selfless. She sacrificed so much for her family and her country. Her enduring dream was the liberation of South Africa and we now live in the manifestation of that dream.”

Breen believes that it is important to keep history alive, the history of our country’s journey to freedom and the many men and women who sacrificed so much for a democratic South Africa to be born.

The orchestral piece is more of a reflection of Ma Sisulu’s journey and life.

Not only does it focus on that, it also aims at teaching young people to know and understand the history of South Africa because of her story.

“As an artist, I have been enormously privileged to use the arts, especially classical music, to shine a light on the many stories that form the tapestry that is South Africa’s journey to freedom. I hope this modest tribute to Ma Sisulu on the occasion of her centenary will be an enduring reminder to us and future generations of her extraordinary life, her resolve, and the contribution of women in our continent and beyond in the fight against injustice,” said Breed.

Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra – Ma Sisulu Sinfonia

Linder Auditorium

October 24 and 25

R360 to R450 at computciket.com

Catch this commemorative piece created in honour of Ma Albertina Sisulu. The orchestra will share this wonderfully crafted music with you for a limited time, so don’t miss out.

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