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http://accordions.com/news.aspx?d=28-Jun-2024&s=21369
http://accordions.com/news.aspx?d=28-Jun-2024&s=21369
28-Jun-2024
World Accordion Day “Mini Expo” Concert at Drostdy Theatre – South Africaby Christine Johnstone |
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 The Drostdy Theatre in Stellenbosch, South Africa hosted a World Accordion Day (WAD) “Mini Expo” concert on May 5th, 2024.Photo: Leon Oosthuizen, Louis Verwey and Andrew Hodgson Photography Free Wild World (Chris Wait). Cape Town dancers formed part of the line up for the event. RSCDS Cape Town Secretary and teacher Heather Hodgson was approached by Leon Oosthuizen to collaborate and celebrate World Accordion Day. Leon Oosthuizen, president of the South African Free Reed Association (SAFRA) organized an event that brought together 12 accordionists, singers, dancers and other musicians to showcase the versatility of the accordion or trekklavier as the instrument is known in Afrikaans. Tickets included a light lunch where traditional South African cuisine like bobotie, pumpkin fritters and koeksisters were served. Between the lunch and the concert, there was a mini expo where attendees had the opportunity to view a display of accordions or participate in a ceilidh to get a feel for Scottish Country dancing. During the concert that followed Piper Caireen Alston piped the performers onto the stage to the sounds of ‘Scotland the Brave’ and the local tune ‘Sarie Marais’ which would be later played on the accordion. Dancers were Andrew and Heather Hodgson, Jon and Hilary Kerr, Mary Lister and Michelle Parker, who danced to the playing of Leon Albert Oosthuizen and Louis Verwey on accordion and Harold Schenk on piano. They danced three dances: a reel ‘Catch the wind’, a strathspey ‘Byron Strathspey’ and a jig ‘First Rain of Spring’. Other genres or styles of music on the line up included French café, classical, Tango dancing, Boeremusiek and Sesotho Famo songs. The concert ended with a performance of the song "Mama Tembu's Wedding" and the national anthem of South Africa. Perhaps other RSCDS branches and the Society would like to mark their calendars for 6th May 2025 to showcase the many talented accordionists who contribute massively to our enjoyment on the dance floor. |