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MOSSEL BAY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - Abé Meintjes, chairman of the Mossel Bay Arts Society, is delighted the lockdown has been reduced to level 1 and 100 people may be accommodated in a building.
The Arts Society organises performing arts events, usually in front of the Bartolomeu Dias replica caravel in the Dias Museum.
This certainly is a unique concert venue – one of a kind in the world.
Listening to music with a life-sized replica of Bartolomeu Dias' caravel as a backdrop is a thrilling experience, especially as the caravel was sailed from Portugal to Mossel Bay in a re-enactment of the 1488 Dias voyage.
Meintjes explains that it was hardly worth it to organise concerts during the lockdown with the restriction of only 50 people at indoor gatherings.
The society brings international and national artists to Mossel Bay, offering world-class recitals, choir performances and concerts. Some years it has arranged up to 15 concerts.
Watch a video below:
Starting blocks
Meintjes says: "The committee has been lingering at the start of 2021, ready to climb into the starting blocks as soon as legally and safely allowed. After the announcement on 28 February that the country may now safely proceed to level 1 in the lockdown, it is with great excitement that the society announces its first concert for 2021: well-known pianist and entertainer Rocco de Villiers will take to the stage at the Dias Museum on Wednesday, 10 March."
Meintjes notes: "Artists worldwide are constantly in touch with the society's concert organiser, who also arranges outreaches and master classes to schools which have an interest in music."
Fifteen years ago, the arts society launched the annual Mossel Bay Eisteddfod for schoolchildren. This is a highlight on the Mossel Bay calendar.
Meintjes says soberly: "When Covid-19 struck in 2020, it caused a paradigm shift for the society: no Eisteddfod could be held and only five concerts were staged last year."
The unfortunate cancellation of the Eisteddfod affected hundreds of schoolchildren in the Mossel Bay area because, besides solo performers, many choirs take part in it. The competition is a highly prized opportunity for children to show off all sorts of performing art talents. Also, the judges are known to be kind and encouraging. It is a warm, caring environment for budding performers.
'Huge project'
"The society had embarked on a huge project: a dedicated website which would facilitate all Eisteddfod registrations, bookings and payments," Meintjes said.
"Although the society is aware of other towns that have opted to hold virtual Eisteddfods, the committee feels strongly about providing a platform where participants are exposed to a live, actual experience. The society is in touch with teachers and roleplayers to ascertain if holding an Eisteddfod in 2021 is viable. Sadly, school calendars are rather full and in many instances extra-curricular events have been postponed. A decision about this year's Eisteddfod will be reached soon and communicated accordingly."
Regarding the future of the Arts Society, Meintjes says: "The pandemic has forced the committee to re-evaluate its role in the community as well as its modus operandi. The annual general meeting will take place at the end of March. The AGM provides an opportunity for, and indeed welcomes, positive input towards overcoming the challenges brought about by the pandemic."
Call Meintjes (083 268 3718) for more information.
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