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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 in forefront with ASGI-SA initiative

2006-05-10

At the conceptualisation colloquium and stakeholder dialogue were from the left Dr Aldo Stroebel (senior researcher at the UFS Research Development Directorate), Dr Edith Vries (acting Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Development Trust) and Prof Frans Swanepoel (Director: UFS Research Development Directorate).

UFS in forefront with ASGI-SA initiative

Two staff members of the University of the Free State (UFS) have been appointed as members of the advisory board of the national programme for the creation of small enterprises and jobs in the second economy. This programme forms part of government’s Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGI-SA).

Prof Frans Swanepoel, Director of the UFS Research Development Directorate and Dr Aldo Stroebel, senior researcher at the UFS Research Development Directorate, are working with a team of experts from the UFS on a draft implementation strategy for the national programme. Both Prof Swanepoel and Dr Stroebel are also associated to the UFS Centre for Sustainable Agriculture.

“The strategy is being developed in collaboration with institutions like the Independent Development Trust, the Department of Agriculture, the National Development Agency and the Department of Trade and Industry,” says Prof Swanepoel.

The other team members of the UFS are Prof Basie Wessels, Director of the Mangaung-University Community Partnership Programme (MUCPP) and Mr Benedict Mokoena, project manager at the MUCPP.

Dr Stroebel was also member of the organising committee of a conceptualisation colloquium and stakeholder dialogue that was recently presented in Johannesburg. The conference was attended by more than 400 delegates from government departments, higher-education institutions and civil society, including Dr Kobus Laubscher, member of the UFS Council.

The conference was facilitated by Ms Vuyo Mahlati, previously from the WK Kellogg Foundation’s Africa programme and opened by Ms Thoko Didiza, Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs.

“The colloquium formed the basis of an induction workshop during which a group of 150 individuals (50 teams of three) from all nine provinces, identified to initiate the implementation of the national programme, was trained and orientated towards an induction manual in collaboration with Hand-in-Hand, an Indian counterpart,” says Prof Swanepoel.

Dr Stroebel and Mr Benedict Mokoena formed part of the team to conceptualise and finalise this training manual. The induction training includes a case study of a successful community self-help partnership model, namely the MUCPP at the UFS. Prof Wessels and Mr Mokoena are both playing a leading role in the further development of subsequent training initiatives throughout South Africa, in partnership with the relevant provincial departments.

“The involvement of the UFS in the programme is a compliment to us. It reflects the value government sees in the use of academics and experts in the management of the ASGI-SA initiative. It is also an indication of one of the aims of the UFS to play a role in South Africa and Africa and in the transformation and change that is taking place in our country,” says Prof Swanepoel.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
10 May 2006

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