Gazza's epic symphony: A concert of hope!

MICHAEL KAYUNDE
The concert 'Gazza Goes Symphonic with the Namibian National Symphony Orchestra (NNSO)' in ' A Concert of Hope', which was held at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) on Friday and Saturday, was an extraordinary showcase of talent and a powerful call for change in the creative industry.

Led by conductor Alex Fokkens, head of music at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, and featuring renowned flautist Kim Scott from the USA, the symphonic concert was a harmonious fusion of Gazza's music with the enchanting sound of the symphony.

Protest

The concert was aptly named 'The Concert of Hope' as Gazza, the celebrated Namibian musician, aimed to inspire and rally support for the creative industry. Gazza emphasised the need for recognition and respect for local talent, appealing to stakeholders and the government to lend a hand in uplifting the creative industry. Gazza's passion for change was evident when he stated, "This whole event is a protest."



Spellbound

One of the highlights of the show was a poignant performance by poet and TV presenter Ashwyn Mberi, who delivered a moving petition on behalf of creatives, calling for their worth to be acknowledged. The concert aimed to inspire and reassure the youth that their gifts and talents have a future in the creative industry, and Gazza's fervent plea for governmental support and infrastructure development resonated deeply.

Through the seamless integration of Gazza's music with the symphonic arrangements by Osmund !Owoseb, Jan-Hendrik Harley, and Dr Henry Panion III, the concert created a mesmerising experience. The symphony added grandeur and depth to Gazza's already captivating melodies, leaving the audience spellbound. Here are some moments from the concert on Friday.