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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 to get transformation plan for African context

2005-02-04

The University of the Free State is to draft a comprehensive Transformation Plan to give impetus to the process of making the UFS an inclusive, non-racial, non-sexist, multi-cultural and multi-lingual university within the African context.

Delivering a keynote speech at the Official Opening of the UFS today, the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Frederick Fourie, said the Transformation Plan would include aspects such as employment equity, institutional culture, academic excellence, and other elements.

He added that another aspect to be considered in the academic element of the Transformation Plan was the issue of the African context, of a university for Africa, in Africa, of the African university.

According to Prof Fourie, the best way of understanding the role of the UFS in Africa and for Africa, is for the university to become a truly engaged university that bridges the gap between the institution and the community. He said the UFS had for more than 10 years been at the forefront of transformation in higher education, and had gone through several phases of transformation. However the UFS needed to embark on a new phase of transformation which would be guided by a comprehensive Transformation Plan.

The Transformation Plan would be the result of an inclusive consultation process involving staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders. It would also be based on a review of current policies and practices.
The process would be led by a Transformation Plan Team, co-ordinated by the Vice-Rector: Academic Operations, Prof Teuns Verschoor, and the Vice-Rector: Student Affairs, Dr Ezekiel Moraka.

“Obviously we should also not underestimate the complexities of transformation and of building a new society, given our complex history and the legacies of poverty, underdevelopment, colonialism and apartheid.

“We must consider support for staff involved in these transformation steps, including appropriate staff development, capacity to support transformation processes, as well as flexible and supportive administrative practices,” Prof Fourie said.

He said the UFS management understood the urgency of transformation in the current democratic South Africa and the changing global environment and appealed to staff and students to participate fully in drafting the Transformation Plan for the UFS.

“Transformation at the UFS has been and will continue to be a process with many facets that seek to enhance excellence in all spheres of university life, and is much more than merely ensuring employment equity,” he said.

Prof Fourie said: “We have reached a historic moment in the life of the UFS where innovative thinking and bold steps yet again are necessary because failure is not an option.”

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
4 February 2005

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