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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 student government elections declared free and fair

2015-09-04

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Video: SRC announced (Bloemfontein Campus)

The 2015/2016 Student Representative Council (SRC) elections on the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses of the University of the Free State (UFS) have been declared free and fair.

The institutional Independent Election Commission Chairperson, Mandla Ndlangamandla, commended the high level of cooperation displayed by all students who participated in the peaceful and organised elections on the Qwaqwa Campus.

“We are proud to indicate that from the beginning of the election process, there were no incidents of intimidation, disruption, threats, and violence that were reported,” he said.

Announcing the election results at Bloemfontein Campus, the representative of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), Andrew Ndelele, also confirmed that the commission had ensured that the elections were credible.

Voter turn-out increased at both campuses compared to the previous year. The elections, which took place from Friday 28 August to 1 September 2015, saw 8% and 0.7% increases in votes casted at the Qwaqwa and Bloemfontein Campuses, respectively.

Paseka Sikhosana, President-elect of the Qwaqwa Campus, commended the unity and orderliness displayed by students: “After the polling stations had closed, we came together and sang in peace”.

Incoming SRC President of the Bloemfontein Campus, Lindokuhle Ntuli, also endorsed the impartiality of the elections, while expressing how humbled he was by the support he received during the campaigning period.

Bloemfontein elective portfolios:

Bloemfontein Campus president: Lindokuhle Ntuli
Photo: Johan Roux

President: Lindokuhle Ntuli
Vice-President: Mpho Khati
Secretary: Tsietso Mafaso
Treasurer: Katleho Masheane
Culture: Delia Moumakwe
Sport: Kabelo Elijah Noosi
Transformation: Katleho Mmolayeng Letube
Student Accessibility and Support: Victor Fana Sejane
Media and Marketing: Peo Morwesi Segano
First-generation students: Nicola King
Legal and Constitutional Affairs: Luke Harrold Small
Student Development and Environment: Karabo Pheko

Bloemfontein ex officio portfolios:

Associations Student Council: Sikhulekile Luwaca
Academic Affairs Student Council: Letsika Liqoalane
Campus Residences Student Council: Ingrid Wentzel
Commuter Student Council: Audrey Sithebe
Postgraduate Student Council: Kamogelo Dithebe
International Student Council: Takudzwa Gezi
Student Media Council: Hatsu Mphatsoe
Rag Fundraising Council: Tubatsi Moloi
Rag Community Service Council: Johan Diedericks

Qwaqwa Campus president: Paseka Sikhosane
Photo: Thabo Kessah

Qwaqwa elective portfolios:

President: Paseka Sikhosane
Vice-President: Zethu Mhlongo
Secretary: Nondumiso Langa
Treasurer: Palesa Selepe
Student Development and Environmental Affairs: Lindokuhle Ngubane
Media and Publicity: Bongiwe Buthelezi
Politics and Transformation: Nthabiseng Mokoena

Qwaqwa ex officio portfolios:

Academic Affairs: Edward Nkadimeng
Arts and Culture: Kwenzakwenkosi Mthethwa
Sports Affairs: Thabo Zengele
Rag and Dialogue: Dieketseng Mokoena
Religious Affairs: Mamosebetsi Mokoena
Residence Affairs: Pheletso Moekoa
Off-Campus: Nicholas Sibeko

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