StarTribune.com: South African composer celebrates 'Mandela's message'

Curtain call with Goitsemang Lehobye, Osmo Vanska & Bongani Ndodana-Breen

Dr. Bongani Ndodana-Breen writes:

Dear Friends:

Wonderful review of a sensational evening in Minneapolis! World premiere of my "Harmonia Ubuntu” by the Minnesota Orchestra led by Osmo Vanska.

http://www.startribune.com/south-african-composer-celebrates-mandela-s-message-with-minnesota-orchestra-premiere/488634331/

http://www.startribune.com/a-no-9-symphony-with-special-ingredients/488839081/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnIusO8LYNA

South African tour dates of the Minnesota Orchestra are at www.minnesotaorchestra.org/satour

Best wishes, 

-B

Minneapolis Star Tribune

South African composer celebrates 'Mandela's message' with Minnesota Orchestra premiere

By Terry Blain Special to the Star Tribune

July 19, 2018

Among Saturday’s many festivities, the Minnesota Orchestra will premiere an orchestral work called “Harmonia Ubuntu,” a tribute to the late South African leader Nelson Mandela by Cape Town composer Bongani Ndodana-Breen. We spoke with the composer via Skype about his new piece, specially commissioned by the orchestra — and about Mandela’s legacy.

Q: The Minnesota Orchestra commissioned your new piece, which you call “Harmonia Ubuntu.” Can you elaborate on the title?

A: Ubuntu is what Nelson Mandela stood for. It’s an African philosophy which says my humanity is tied to your humanity, my dignity to your dignity, and how I treat you. That was Mandela’s message. And he went to prison for it for 27 years.

Q: Were you excited to get the commission?

A: To celebrate the legacy of Mandela is a beautiful thing, especially at a time when the world faces so much inhumanity, hate and divisions. Like Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi, Mandela can show people the potential of actually being human.