South Africa  UK

Quartet of Peach 1

Music is what brings us all together


Inspired by the universal concepts of peace, hope, reconciliation, and freedom, The Quartet of Peace was designed to be heard around the world, to raise the profile of South African musicians, and to uplift the standards of music education in this country. 

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We are motivated

by a vision that the Quartet of Peace will become a South African cultural icon – loved, respected, and admired both locally and internationally, and inspiring support for South Africa’s musical life and its talented musicians.

We strive to

promote reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance through music; create music and performances that will serve as a vivid reminder of where we came from and what we have achieved; provide financial assistance to individuals who are financially disadvantaged and who need additional resources in order to fulfill their artistic potential; and address the critical shortage of qualified instrument repair training in South Africa.

We are driven 

by a desire to emulate the example of South Africa’s four Nobel Laureates. In this, the Quartet of Peace was created. This ensemble comprises four instruments, each symbolizing the significance of the laureate's contribution and resonating with the values that they embody.



Moved by Albert Luthuli's struggle, “Freedom” is the first violin in the set.

“Peace” is the second and is inspired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu's unwavering personification of the ideal. 

The “Reconciliation” viola is designed in the image of FW de Klerk's example.

And finally, the deep and resounding notes of the "Hope" cello remind us of an imagined collective future, and Nelson Mandela's vision of what can be.



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We are active 

in achieving two primary objectives: raising funds so that we may realise the Quartet of Peace's vision.

In this, a crucial priority is hosting public concerts and private house recitals featuring young South African Trust scholars, together with musicians who support our work. The proceeds from these events go towards supporting the next generation of musicians and providing our current scholars with an opportunity to showcase their exceptional skills and talent.

The funds raised, together with donations received by the Trust, are then allocated to support the development of young musicians and instrument repairers. The awarding of individual grants to outstanding young applicants and the sponsoring of workshops to encourage the practice of musicianship at all levels, (thereby enlarging the pool of talent from which we draw our scholars) are the two avenues in which the Quartet of Paece supports young musical developments. 




Trust & Trustees


The UK and South African Trusts, while separate legal entities, are closely intertwined and share a relationship that springs from their common objectives and joint enterprises.

The South African Trust was formed in mid-2012. The Trustees are Brian Figaji (chairperson), Millard Arnold, Angela Craig, Adam Howard, Nkunkuleko Nyembezi-Heita, Brian O’Connell, Nick Segal, and Michael Spicer.

Currently, the South African Trustees are Molapo Qhobela (chairperson), Millard Arnold, Samson Diamond, Zanta Hofmeyr and Heidi Hudson.

The United Kingdom (UK) Trust was instituted to expand the profile of the Quartet of Peace enterprise and ideals, offering support to the Quartet of Peace's music scholars in the UK and facilitating UK-based fundraising. The UK Trustees are Deborah Lavin (chairperson), Dr Louise Lansdown, Lauren Jacobson, and Penny Silva.

Partners


We are fortunate to work alongside: the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and the Section 21 company, Music Is A Great Investment (Miagi), from whose ranks young beneficiaries of the Quartet of Peace's grants have been selected.

 

Patrons


Both Trusts are proud to be represented and have been represented by our Founding Patrons:

Thandi Luthuli-Gcabashe, the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and the late, former president FW de Klerk.

We are sad to have lost two of the Founding Patrons whose attributions (“Peace” and “Reconciliation”) were enshrined by Brian Lisus when he crafted the instruments and conceived the idea of the Quartet of Peace in 1990.

The UK Trust is further honoured to be represented by David Dimbleby and Julian Lloyd Webber.

Ambassador


We are privileged to be represented by our Ambassador Barbara Bailey.

Ambassador




 

In securing the future


we need your support.

With time come more ambitious aims and ever more calls on our funds. The Trust is regularly overwhelmed with requests for help from deserving young musicians, and we would like to be in a position to explore collaborations to ensure the best use of our resources in a limited field. The urgent need now is to build a strong core of funding to perpetuate our help to future beneficiaries, with the backing of a world-wide community of support. 







Become a donor


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