CONCERT STARTS at 7:00 p.m., with a pre-concert talk scheduled for 6:15 p.m.

Jazz pianist and composer Witness Matlou

presents

a suite of original music informed by his upbringing in South Africa’s townships. These areas on the periphery of a town or city have historically been used to uphold racially segregated living arrangements. There, outside of Johannesburg, Witness was surrounded by the sounds of Marabi, Mbaqanga, and gospel music. Protests songs echoed into South Africa’s political transition period into the late 90’s and 2000’s. The music stems from different cultural backgrounds that represent the demographic makeup of the townships, where people were assembled from around the country. New forms of language and expression emerge forming a unique township lingo. The music is interpreted and processed in the context of life in the township and the socioeconomic conditions of the working-class. The township experience forms the basis for Witness’ musical background, along with classical music, and having moved to America to study Jazz.

 “I look to create music that forms an amalgamation of my life experiences, the sounds of the languages I speak, the people I’ve met around the world and the social conditions that I live in. Music to me means possibilities. It is where I find joy and a shelter that I wish to bring people in when life’s storms appear,” says Witness. He is presently an assistant professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA.

Also featuring:

Jon Gordon, saxophone; Marika Galea, bass; Eric Platz, drums

TICKETS: $40 GENERAL, $20 STUDENT

Students attend free with valid student ID at the door. Adult tickets can be reserved online at brandonchamberplayers.ca or by phone at (204) 724 6031. Tickets can also be purchased at the door, although we appreciate greatly when tickets are reserved in advance. Cash, credit, and debit are accepted.

https://brandonchamberplayers.ca/concerts