Commissions to Monthati Zenzile Masebe, Lise Morrison, Denise Onen, Njabulo Phungula & Abel Selaocoe

The Signum Quartet is deeply rooted in the history of South Africa. Xandi van Dijk, the violist of the internationally renowned string quartet, was born in South Africa and his family is an indispensable part of the local music scene. The four musicians of the Bremen-based string quartet want to bring the history of South Africa to Bremen to mark the 30th anniversary of the end of apartheid.

To this end, a two-part project is planned for 2024 that will draw attention to South Africa’s history so that it is not forgotten: the Signum Quartet will commission works, each 5-12 minutes long, from predominantly black South African composers. A lecture and concert to mark the anniversary are also part of the project, as is a CD production in the Sendesaal Bremen. Two of Germany’s most renowned concert halls, the Kölner Philharmonie and the Pierre Boulez Saal Berlin, have invited the quartet to present parts of the project. The Signum Quartet will also be travelling to South Africa to present the works there and to engage in personal and artistic exchange with the composers.

The Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation supports the commissions to Monthati Zenzile Masebe, Lise Morrison, Denise Onen, Njabulo Phungula and Abel Selaocoe.

Further information:
signumquartet.com

Dates

September 18, 2024
Pierre Boulez Saal, Berlin
(world premieres of Monthati Zenzile Masebe, Lise Morrison, Denise Onen & Njabulo Phungula)

October 28, 2024
Kölner Philharmonie
(world premiere of Abel Selaocoe)

November 20, 2024
The Centre for the Less Good Idea, Johannesburg

November 21, 2024
Nazareth House Chapel, Pretoria

November 23, 2024
Baxter Concert Hall, Cape Town

November 24, 2024
Old Nectar Concerts, Stellenbosch

November 27, 2024
Nelson Mandela University’s Campus Auditorium, Port Elizabeth

December 19, 2024
Sendesaal, Bremen