The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) and the Cape Town Opera (CTO) defend the arts, here and internationally, with the release of a new album: Cwaka. The silence.

About Cwaka. The silence.

The album contains recordings of silent versions of some of their greatest works. It also includes an original 49-second title song, Cwaka. The silence.

“All over the world, right now, the arts are being silenced,” says a press release from both organizations. “COVID-19, conflict, censorship, loss of funding, displacement – even natural disasters – keep the volume down on one of the driving forces of humanity: creative expression. “

As a result, both organizations have been forced to either cease live performances altogether or perform to an extremely limited audience for 18 months now, resulting in a significant loss of revenue.

A call for donations

This is why a call for donations is done in a simple and efficient way.

South Africans are encouraged to add the track to their Spotify playlists in order to raise awareness and fundraise for the cause (the royalties will top up the fund each time the song is played, at no cost to the listener).

Those who love the famous artist William Kentridge, who designed the vinyl cover, can bid for any of 40 limited edition printed copies of the vinyl through the auction or purchase one of 50 limited edition copies of the vinyl. .

The funds raised in this campaign will go directly to support the classical arts in South Africa through the Duo Endowment Trust.

The world famous soprano, Jolie Yende, is one of the alumni who entered the world stage via the Cape Town Opera House.

They will also ensure that organizations can continue their work at the local level in local communities where they are always on the lookout for bright young talent from diverse, vulnerable and poor areas that were previously under-represented in the health care industry. classical music.

The classical music industry in South Africa

“When we embarked on this campaign, it was a direct response to the devastating effect the pandemic had on our orchestra and our opera company,” said Nicholas Ackerman, director of the Duet Endowment Trust.

“As we approach the launch date, we see how threatened the arts are around the world; whether it’s COVID-19 here in Cape Town, or the Afghan Women’s Orchestra oppressed by the Taliban, or visual artists like Ai Wei Wei who recently spoke of being exiled and censored; or even cultural funding being quietly eroded in places like the UK. “

They were ultimately inspired to raise funds and thus “bring together a shout” for artists around the world.

Bring joy and meaning to life

“We believe the arts are at the heart of what makes us human, what brings joy and meaning to life, and for which they are worth fighting for. Yes, we ask people to listen to our silence – and then we want them to come out and also support their own local creative voices, ”Ackerman explained.

People can listen to the album on Spotify or other favorite streaming services, and via the campaign website, where they can also watch a title song performance, donate to the fund, and more.