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25 April 2024 | Story ANTHONY MTHEMBU | Photo Stephen Collet
His Excellency Dr Reuben E Brigety II
His Excellency Dr Reuben E Brigety II presenting his guest lecture at the Centenary Complex.

The University of the Free State (UFS) recently had the honour of hosting a thought-provoking guest lecture delivered by His Excellency Dr Reuben E Brigety II, the United States Ambassador to South Africa. Held on 23 April 2024 at the Centenary Complex, on the UFS Bloemfontein campus, the lecture delved into the vital role of higher education in fostering and safeguarding democracies.

Describing the occasion as a pivotal moment for the institution, Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS, articulated, "Having the United States Ambassador to South Africa visit our institution and deliver this guest lecture presents an invaluable opportunity. It allows us to gain unique insights into the parallel dynamics and challenges facing our sister democracies, particularly as both our countries approach significant electoral periods.”

Dr Brigety, in his address, underscored the significance of higher education in the context of Freedom Day, celebrated in South Africa on 27 April 2024. He emphasised the role universities play in advancing democratic values, drawing upon the UFS motto, “In truth is the light of wisdom” to elucidate this connection. Highlighting the inspirational figure of the late Charlotte Maxeke, a prominent social and political activist, Dr Brigety noted her pivotal role in both South African and American contexts.

Maxeke, a graduate of Wilberforce University, and her husband Marshall Maxeke, founded the Wilberforce Community College upon returning to South Africa. Dr Brigety underscored the significance of Maxeke’s commitment to civil liberties and education, along with her enduring ties to the Wilberforce University network, in shaping subsequent generations of activists and leaders.

Moreover, Dr Brigety stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between South African and American universities amidst today’s complex global challenges. He advocated for initiatives such as collaborative research projects, joint academic programmes, and student exchanges, citing their role not only in knowledge creation but also in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral relations.

In concluding his address, Dr Brigety urged the audience to emulate the examples set by individuals like Charlotte Maxeke and Prof Jonathan Jansen, the former Rector and Vice-Chancellor of UFS. He encouraged them to champion the cultivation of the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers. 

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The King’s Singers: British double Grammy winners hosted by OSM
2017-01-24

 Description: The Kings Singers Tags: The Kings Singers

The King’s Singers regularly tour in Europe, North and
South America, Asia and Australasia. The group will be
performing in Bloemfontein on 14 February 2017.
Photo: Andy Staples

The King’s Singers, the acclaimed British a cappella vocal ensemble, are coming to Bloemfontein, hosted by the Odeion School of Music at the University of the Free State, for an unmissable performance.

Concertgoers from Bloemfontein and surrounding areas have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary vocal ensemble at the Dutch Reformed Church Universitas at a concert sponsored by the Arts Trust.

Named after King’s College in Cambridge, the group was formed in 1965, and for the past 48 years, their work, synonymous with the very best in vocal ensemble performance, appeals to a vast international audience.

The ensemble has performed for hundreds of thousands of people each season, and regularly tours Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australasia. Instantly recognisable for their immaculate intonation, vocal blend, diction and incisive timing, the King’s Singers are consummate entertainers.

The group’s repertoire has evolved to become one of the most diverse and compelling imaginable. They have commissioned more than 200 works, including landmark pieces from leading contemporary composers including Luciano Berio, György Ligeti, Sir James MacMillan, Krzysztof Penderecki, Toru Takemitsu, Sir John Tavener, Gabriela Lena Frank and Eric Whitacre. They have also commissioned arrangements of everything from jazz standards to pop chart hits, explored medieval motets and Renaissance madrigals, and encouraged young composers to write new scores.

In addition to performing to capacity audiences and creating highly regarded and much-loved recordings, the King’s Singers share their artistry at numerous workshops and masterclasses around the world.  

Double Grammy award-winning artists, the group were honoured in 2009 for their Signum Classics release, Simple Gifts, and again in 2012 for their contribution to Eric Whitacre’s Light and Gold album. Recently voted into Gramophone Hall of Fame, rave reviews and repeated sell-out concerts confirm that the King’s Singers are one of the world’s finest vocal ensembles.

Watch videos of the The King’s Singers:
The King's Singers - Overture The Barber Of Seville
2016 Pioneer Day Concert with The King's Singers - Primary Medley
A Christmas Songbook by The King's Singers

Date: 14 February 2017
Time: 19:30
Place: Dutch Reformed Church Universitas, Bloemfontein
Cost: R295 per person | R268 per person for group bookings of 10+

Tickets for the concert are available at Computicket outlets (Checkers, Shoprite shops), at the door, or online.

For inquiries or more information, contact Ninette Pretorius at +27 51 401 2504.

 

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