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18 September 2018 Photo Hanno Otto
Consecutive international win for OSM Camerata
The OSM Camerata is once again a winner, sharing the first prize in the Ictus International Music Competition with the Oklahoma State University.

If Einstein’s string theory had a musical undertone, one would think it is because of the sweet melodies of the Odeion School of Music Cameratas’ (OSMC) violins and cellos. It should therefore come as no surprise that OSMC won the 2018 International Ictus Music Competition, again. The ensemble has been paving the way to numerous successes since its inception in 2012.

This year, however, the OSMC is sharing the first prize with the Oklahoma State University Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr Thomas Dickey. The OSMC’s competition recital for 2018 was conducted by principle conductor, Xavier Cloete. Acclaimed violist Elsabé Raath, joined the OSMC artistic team in 2017 as string clinician.

OSMC the jewel in crown

The OSMC is based at the Odeion School of Music (OSM) at the University of the Free State UFS) and was strategically founded as the OSM’s flagship ensemble with the main objective, creating a catalyst for excellence. “From a pedagogical perspective, it serves as a feasible incubator to nurture fully-rounded musicians who are thoroughly prepared for the demands of their trade as orchestral musicians, soloists and conductors,” said Marius Coetzee founder of the OSMC.

“Ms Raath also made her debut as conductor during the 2018 Ictus Music Competition where she conducted O Sacrum Convivium by Olivier Messiaen,” said Coetzee, founder of the OSMC. Elsabé was also conductor during the 2018 Ictus Music competition.

The OSMC’s concert programme for Ictus 2018 also consisted of works by Jacobus Gallus/Lance Phillip, Béla Bartók, Peteris Vasks/Keith Moss, as well as Johann Sebastian Bach.

Ictus an ideal platform

The Ictus International Music Competition is an online music competition for wind bands, orchestras and solo trumpet. It has been described by David Bilger of the Philadelphia Orchestra as “democratising music competitions”. Ictus was founded to make international music competitions more accessible though eliminating prohibitive travel costs, conference fees and visa issues. This was made possible through having the application and adjudication take place online only. 

You can listen to OMSC Ictus submissions here:

Duo Seraphim Jabobus Gallus/Lance Phillip
Romanian Folk Dances/ Román népi táncok Béla Bartók
Kekatu Dziesma (Carnival Song) Peteris Vasks/Keith Moss

News Archive

Right to Learn cyclists still solid on the pedals
2017-11-29


  Description: Right to Learn cyclists Tags: UFS Right to Learn, Given and Gain, Cape Town, Prof Nicky Morgan, Asive Dlanjwa, students, cycling, Qwaqwa, Bloemfontein

Asive Dlanjwa, Bloemfontein Campus SRC President, on the
morning of their departure from Bloemfontein.
Photo: Nhlanhla Modzanane


It is a new day and the Right to Learn cycling team continues to make its way to Cape Town.The team arrived at their first stop in Luckhoff on day one, after cycling for 182 kilometres in five hours and five minutes. They left Luckhoff at 05:00 in the morning on day two, heading towards Britstown via De Aar and arrived at midday. On day three, the team will rest in Britstown and will continue cycling on day four, 30 November 2017, to Victoria West for 133 kilometres via Merriman.

Looking forward to another day
Asive Dlanjwa, Bloemfontein Campus SRC President, felt confident about day two despite the strong winds that they experienced along the way. “I’m feeling strong, I actually thought after day one that I’ll be feeling a bit weak, but I just don’t know how we are going to make it in this wind,” he says. Dlanjwa and his fellow cyclists cycled for 213 kilometres to Britstown, where they ended their race for day two. 

Kovsies fully behind cycling team
The tour began on 27 November 2017 in Bloemfontein, when they were sent off by Prof Nicky Morgan, former Vice-Rector: Operations, Pura Mgolombane, Dean of Student Affairs, and their Kovsie peers. Prof Morgan encouraged the team to have a wonderful and enjoyable journey, acknowledging that the journey will not be an easy one. “I want you to know that you have the support of everyone here at the UFS,” he said.
 
Messages of support continue to pour in for the team on the UFS social media platforms. The Qwaqwa Campus SRC President, Hlalele Masopha, also sent his best wishes to his mate, saying, “I wish the President with his crew a quantity of good fortune and extremely good success.” He says, “This is for the betterment of the students and the institution.”  

There have been no reports of any injuries or medical defects incurred by the cyclists nor the supporting team who are travelling with them. The team is expected to arrive in Cape Town on 4 December 2017.  

You can make a donation as follows: 

Give-n-gain page

 

EFT transaction:
Please use the following bank details:
Bank: ABSA Bank
Account Number: 1570850721
Branch Code: 632005
Account Type: Cheque
Reference: R2L: Right to Learn
Send the proof of payment Rinda Duraan: duraanmj@ufs.ac.za

Debit order: Download the form and email it to Rinda Duraan

All donations are tax deductible in terms of South African income tax legislation.  


Related article:

27 November: Kovsies SRC President cycles to raise money for registration


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