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An ode to the Odeion String Quartet

30 January 2025 | Story Jacky Tshokwe | Photo Supplied

In the world of music, certain instruments resonate not just with sound, but with profound emotion and history. For Samantha Durrant, her journey with the violin began at the tender age of seven, inspired by the heartfelt story of Music of the Heart. This film, coupled with her exposure to the harmonious symphonies of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, planted seeds that grew into a lifelong devotion to the violin and classical music.

Now, as part of the Odeion String Quartet – the only quartet in residence at a South African university – Durrant stands at the forefront of a mission that transcends performance. She sees her role not only as a performer, but as a steward of South Africa’s string-playing legacy. Her vision is bold yet grounded: to make the Odeion String Quartet the centrepiece of string training and performance in the country.

Reflecting on her journey, Durrant emphasises the critical role of mentorship, exposure, and perseverance. "There wasn’t one pivotal moment in my career," she shares. "It was the culmination of experiences with colleagues, mentors, and friends, all encouraging me to push my boundaries."

The Odeion String Quartet is bridging South African talent with global excellence, performing works by masters such as Haydn and Beethoven while celebrating contemporary compositions, including those from South Africa's rich tapestry of composers. For Durrant, the opportunity to collaborate with living composers is an unparalleled gift, offering insights into their inspirations and musical intentions.

Education and community are at the heart of the quartet's mission. Through school concerts, youth orchestra engagements, and performances at prestigious events such as the Vice-Chancellor’s Concert and the Rector’s Farewell, the quartet inspires audiences of all ages. "Youth orchestras represent unity," Durrant notes. "They bring people together, showcasing our shared humanity."

To those stepping into the challenging world of music, Durrant offers sage advice: "Be patient with yourself. Understand that this field is not easy, but the journey of self-discovery it offers is unparalleled."

With a packed performance calendar and ambitious goals for the quartet’s future, Durrant remains hopeful about music's place in society. "Music has the power to heal, inspire, and unite," she says. "In these challenging times, it is balm for the soul – an essential part of our humanity."

As the Odeion String Quartet continues its journey, its melodies remind us of the transformative power of music, resonating with hope and possibility across generations.

News Archive

UFS council elects Nwaila and Hancke

2005-03-15

Dr Charles Nwaila, Superintendent-General of Education in the Free State, was elected Vice-chairperson of the UFS Council and Judge Faan Hancke was re-elected as Chairperson today.

According to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Frederick Fourie, the election of Dr Nwaila is an important achievement for the UFS as Dr Nwaila is a well known leader in education in the Free State.

Dr Nwaila pledged to work constructively with the UFS council and management to ensure that the UFS benefits all people of the province and the country.

The appointments are valid for a term of three years from 1 June 2005 to 31 May 2008.

The elections took place at the quarterly meeting of the UFS Council where a number of other key transformation steps were approved.

The Council approved a Strategic Plan for the UFS which reflects a renewed focus on transformation of the institution, calling it an important roadmap for the future of the UFS.

According to Prof Fourie, the Strategic Plan tried strike a balance between continuity and change, addressing the need to remain an excellent university in an ever-changing context and environment.

Prof Fourie said transformation had many aspects and dimensions and could not be reduced to an issue of numbers.

The Strategic Plan identifies five strategic priorities and corresponding challenges in the next phase of transformation.

The priorities are:

quality and excellence
equity, diversity and redress
financial sustainability
regional co-operation and engagement.
outward thrust

Prof Fourie said that besides the five strategic priorities the plan also reflected concrete actions and interventions to address them.

He said the renewed focus on transformation is embedded in the priorities and specific actions that are identified.

The Council congratulated the management for the roadmap and for the achievements that have already been achieved in terms of transformation.

In order to draft a comprehensive Transformation Plan that will give substance to certain aspects of the UFS Strategic plan – or roadmap – the Council approved the establishment of a Transformation Plan Team.

The team will consist of about 16 people, which includes the two coordinators, Prof Teuns Verschoor, Vice-Rector: Academic Operations, and Dr Ezekiel Moraka, Vice-Rector: Student Affairs.

According to Prof Verschoor, the team was chosen and approved by the Executive Management earlier for the individual contributions that they could make.

While the individuals do not represent particular constituencies on campus they are a very diverse group of persons in terms of race, gender and various sections of the campus and the satellite campuses.

Prof Fourie, said there was an urgency and importance attached to the work of the Transformation Plan Team.

He said that while the team must produce a plan within a tight deadline, the task must be carried out very well, which could mean different stages in the work of the team.

According to the Rector, the UFS must take the lead in best practice transformation, while not underestimating the complexity of the issues facing the UFS.

The full list of names will be finalized soon.

MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by: Mnr Anton Fisher
Director: Strategic Communication
Cel: 072 207 8334
Tel: (051) 401-2749
11 Maart 2005

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