The African Renaissance Ensemble

(124)

About

The African Renaissance Ensemble is a group of South African musicians, striving to infect South Africans with our love for early music.


Our goal is to bring this exquisite, little known and seldom performed music to modern audiences.


We are not Classical.


The Music


We believe that the music that we perform is far more accessible to modern audiences. The pieces are usually short (between 1 and 10 minutes) and there is a massive variety of sound. Much of the music is lighthearted and was composed specifically for dancing or for story telling.

The music is highly emotionally evocative and varied.


The Instruments


The instruments that were used at the time that this music was written were very different to those in use today. Our ensemble uses a mix of period instruments, including gut string violins, period keyboards (harpsichord, virginal etc.) lutes, and winds that you have likely never seen before. Guitar and percussion also play an important role. You will hear a variety of sound that you have never experienced before!


Our concerts


Do not expect a symphony concert. Our performances are not the formal affairs that one expects from a symphony concert, opera or classical chamber concert and neither is the music that we perform. In fact, almost all of the music we play predates the idea of a concert! You will certainly not find our musicians performing in suit and tie, so feel free to dress however feels appropriate.

We like to keep our concerts small, it is important to us that we can directly connect with our audiences. We want our audiences to feel like an active part of the event.

Maestro Adam H. Golding always speaks between the musical numbers, providing context and uses the music to weave together a story including anecdotes that range from hilarious to grotesque.

Concerts are usually between 60 and 90 minutes



Reviews

4.9
from 124 reviews
"What a wonderful event - well organized at a beautiful venue, the musicians were excellent and the selection of music different, very enjoyable and entertaining. This is first time that my wife and I have attended a concert by 'The forgotten years' and were most impressed and look forward to many more."
- John
"Very interesting and balanced program, please do more! The speaker's voices where a bit inaudible sometimes."
- Marleen
"A well organised event and excellent music - a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Looking forward to a similar event in future."
- John
"absolutely outstanding performance and conducting.Sadly not well attended.Please advertise more widely next time!"
- Karyn

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