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30 August 2024
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Story Jacky Tshokwe
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Photo Supplied
Prof Anmari van der Westhuizen – a renowned contemporary solo cellist and academic at the University of the Free State (UFS).
In May 2024, Prof Anmari van der Westhuizen – a renowned contemporary solo cellist and academic at the University of the Free State (UFS) – represented South Africa on an international stage at Bard College, New York. This prestigious engagement marks a significant milestone in her career as she prepares to deliver two contemporary solo cello concerts featuring world premiere performances of works by both Austrian and South African composers.
The concerts, scheduled to take place during October 2024 in Vienna and Salzburg – celebrated for their rich musical heritage and vibrant contemporary music scenes – promise to be a unique cultural exchange. Prof Van der Westhuizen’s performances will showcase her expertise in contemporary solo violoncello music, bringing together the innovative compositions of Austrian and South African artists in a programme that highlights the dynamic interplay between these distinct musical traditions.
The project, which was approved by the UFS Research Committee, underscores the importance of cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration in contemporary music. By presenting world premieres, Prof Van der Westhuizen not only introduces new SA solo compositions to global audiences, but also contributes to the continuous evolution of the violoncello repertoire. Her programme is anticipated to be a profound exploration of the unique musical languages and stylistic nuances inherent in both Austrian and South African compositions.
Prof Van der Westhuizen’s contribution to this international creative output extends beyond her performances. She has been invited to give lecture presentations at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where she will delve into the works featured in her concerts. These presentations will offer insights into the compositional processes and cultural contexts that shape the contemporary music landscape in Austria and South Africa.
This project is more than a personal achievement for Prof Van der Westhuizen; it is a testament to the power of music to transcend borders and unite diverse cultures. By engaging in this cultural exchange, she aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of contemporary music, paving the way for future collaborations between Austrian and South African musicians.
The UFS community is proud to support Prof Van der Westhuizen as she embarks on this extraordinary journey, which not only enhances her artistic growth but also strengthens the university’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange through the universal language of music.
Stay tuned for more updates on Prof Van der Westhuizen upcoming performances and lectures as she continues to make her mark on the international stage.
Research chair into Higher Education gets boost for five more years
2017-11-21
Prof Melanie Walker, Director of the Centre for Research on
Higher Education and Development (CRHED).
Photo: Supplied
The research Chair in Higher Education and Human Development within the Centre for Research on Higher Education and Development (CRHED) at the University of the Free State has secured funding for another five years. It follows a favourable evaluation by the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) of the research project at the UFS.
The Director of the Centre, Prof Melanie Walker, says she is delighted by the recognition of the Chair's hard work and significant productivity. “This new round of funding secures the centre and its activities for the next five years.”
Under the auspices of the Chair, research is conducted on higher education, inequalities and social justice, and how or if universities foster the human capabilities and aspirations of students. In essence, the research studies whether higher education makes a difference to the lives of students, their families and communities. Prof Walker says the Chair's projects look at issues of access, participation and transitions into work, as well as gender, race and social class. The research uses quantitative and qualitative methods and includes a strand of participatory research projects with students.
Prof Walker says through the Chair research project, and the Centre, researchers have developed extensive international links and produced international quality research and publications. “We foster high-quality PhD graduates as a new generation of social science academics.” The Chair has in the first five years produced 10 PhDs and four master’s students.
The project in the next five years will continue with its focus on higher education and human development research. Prof Walker says all the research efforts seek to contribute to more justice in society and universities and to contribute to debates, policy and practices in higher education and a scholarly knowledge base.
The Research Chairs Initiative aims to improve the research capacity at public universities to produce high-quality postgraduate students, research and innovative outputs. The assessors looked at features such as the number of students the research entity had trained and how many publications the research team had produced.