The Endler Concert Series in partnership with the Stellenbosch University Division for Social Impact present a fundraising concert for the Ronnie Samaai Music Education Project on Saturday 23 October at 3pm in the Endler Hall, Stellenbosch.

The Steenberg High School band will perform a curtain raiser before the Stellenbosch University (SU) Jazz Band take centre stage under the direction of Felicia Lesch joined by South African jazz legend Gloria Bosman and student jazz singer Ajay Adriaanse. On the programme are some of Gloria’s own compositions such as House of Rhythm and Let it rain and jazz standards such as It don’t mean a thing and Smoke gets in your eyes, to name but a few.

Felicia is passionate about music as a vehicle for social change and formed the SU Jazz Band as one of the ensembles of the Certificate Programme. Traditionally, the SU Jazz Band has a concert in the second semester which benefits one of its community partners, in addition to fulfilling the requirements of the Orchestral Practice module for the students. This year, the beneficiary of this concert is the Ronnie Samaai Music Education Project which is based at Kuilsriver Technical High School. Established by Mr Ronnie Samaai in 1998, this project began at the Kuilsriver College of Education where Ronnie was Vice-Rector. He retired from the project five years ago at the age of 80, and Felicia Lesch, who had been teaching at the project since its inception took over the reins. She strengthened the partnership with the music department at SU and it has evolved into a model of mentorship, transferral of skills and empowerment, with the spirit of volunteerism deeply entrenched in the project.

This concert is kindly supported by Stellenbosch University’s Division for Social Impact.

Please keep in mind that for all live events current restrictions allow for 100 audience members in the Endler Hall and all safety protocols outlined by the University will be strictly followed. The safety of our students, staff and patrons is our priority.

Tickets for R100 (regular) and R80 (pensioners, students, and scholars) are available now through Computicket and at the door one hour before the show. The concert will be recorded for later broadcast. For more information contact Fiona Grayer at concerts@sun.ac.za or 021 808 2358.