---

---

2022 Rector’s Concert

On 2 September 2022, the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Francis Petersen, hosted the annual Rector’s Concert 2022 at the Odeion Auditorium, on the Bloemfontein Campus. The concert was in celebration of our resilience, humanity, a return to traditions, new norms, and creativity. The Odeion String Quartet dazzled the full-capacity auditorium with a rendition of Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango on the Quartet of Peace instruments.

---

30 May 2022 The Free State Centre for Human Rights

In collaboration with the Free State Centre for Human Rights, the Odeion String Quartet performed two struggle songs, Asikhathali and iBuyile iAfrika, under the theme of Social Media, Freedom of Expression and the Law: Protecting Yourself. The keynote guest speaker for the event was the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr John Jeffrey, who presented a lecture on the topic Social Media and the Limits on Expressing Yourself. Prof Anmari van der Westhuizen, Head of the Odeion String Quartet, said in her speech that “music is one of the most powerful means of expression, whether it is a specific war, a universal plea for peace, a searing response to racism, or a celebration of a victory – everyone has the right to make music. May the Quartet of Peace instruments assist us in achieving greater inclusion and social cohesion through our music”.

---

18 March 2022 ­ Official public introduction of the Quartet of Peace instruments

For this auspicious occasion, the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Francis Petersen, together with the Dean of the Humanities, Prof Heidi Hudson, welcomed master craftsman, Brian Lisus, and Prof Brian Figaji (Former Chairperson of the Quartet of Peace Trust). Prof Figaji highlighted the background of the custodianship of the Quartet of Peace instruments and the significant partnership formed with the UFS and the Quartet of Peace Trust. Keynote speaker and luthier, Brian Lisus, narrated a historical account of the making of the Quartet of Peace instruments, accompanied by a short film. The presentation was concluded by a performance of iBuyile iAfrika performed on the newly restored Quartet of Peace instruments. 

---

4 November 2021 – Inauguration of the eighth Chancellor of the UFS

Prof Bonang Mohale was officially inaugurated as the eighth Chancellor of the UFS on 4 November 2021. The Odeion String Quartet was invited to perform at this prestigious ceremony on the Quartet of Peace instruments. Symbolising the ultimate love letter, the Odeion String Quartet played Alexander Borodin’s Notturno (Noturne) from String Quartet No.2 in D major. In introducing the performance, the leader and first violinist of the Odeion String Quartet, Samson Diamond, said in his speech: “Chancellor, Professor Mohale, in you we see the embodiment of the aspirations and values of the university and the country. May the music inspire and sustain you in your pursuit of transformation, democracy, and social justice.”