UCT student selected for JM Jazz World Orchestra
SA National Youth Orchestra bass trombonist Siyasanga Charles has been chosen for the Jeunesses Musicales Jazz World Orchestra. Charles is currently studying Jazz Performance at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
She is the only musician from the African continent to be selected. The orchestra will gather for an international course that will be taking place between 28 June and 6 July in Kongsberg, Norway. This follows on the tour she did to Sweden in 2013 for a similar project as part of the partnership between the SA National Youth Orchestra Foundation and Jeunesses Musicales International.
“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am extremely grateful for, as I will represent South Africa as well as the continent,” says Charles.
Bursary awarded
She has also been selected for a two year Masters in Music degree in Jazz Studies at Georgia State University in Atlanta starting in August 2014, and has been awarded a National Arts Council bursary for postgraduate studies abroad towards this degree.
“Siyasanga Charles is one of the most talented young artists in South Africa and she has represented her country on many platforms both locally and internationally. She is diligent, extraordinarily talented and loved by her fellow musicians. She is as comfortable improvising in a jazz band as she is sitting in the middle of a symphony orchestra, and her achievements are truly exceptional and bear testament to her dedication and hard work,” says SA National Youth Orchestra MD, Sophia Welz.
Charles is still in need of funding for her exchange to Norway and for her studies in Atlanta. To contribute, contact the South African National Youth Orchestra via email team@sanyo.org.za or call +27(0)832722117.
