Last week, a colleague and I were gifted tickets to a very special event (thanks Lee-Anne!). It was the launch of a new campaign – Poco a Poco – dedicated to the future of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) and its youth development and education programmes. We found ourselves in the Artscape’s Chandelier Foyer, which is a rather fabulous space, completely captivated by the orchestra (and conductor, Brandon Phillips) as they delivered a love letter to the movies – celebrating iconic scores from films like The Mission, Dances with Wolves, The Pink Panther and 007.
As someone whose musical career peaked with the triangle in nursery school (though I did have Majors for Minors on repeat during my boys’ early years), I found myself wondering what it takes to transform from novice to virtuoso.
The legendary Yo-Yo Ma said, “Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel.”
The discipline required to master an instrument teaches invaluable life lessons and according to the Royal College of Music, regular practice not only improves musical ability but also develops emotional awareness, time management skills, the ability to accept and learn from criticism, and perseverance through difficulties. This is why the CPO’s work with South African youth is so important.
And the orchestra itself? It’s like a masterclass in teamwork. Orchestra members learn how to listen while performing, follow while leading, respect timing and spacing, blend individual talent with collective harmony, and trust in the process – and their fellow musicians.
And what about for someone just sitting in the audience and soaking it all up?
Science says our brains light up like a Christmas tree when we listen to classical music, improving everything from our focus to our emotional IQ. Research published in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests that regular concert goers often report an improved ability to concentrate, better stress management and a deeper appreciation for complexity and nuance.
But Wednesday evening had another lesson in store for me. It taught me, that even if you’ve had a tough week (with some tough goodbyes), unexpected social events can fill your tank in ways that Netflix never can!
In his book, The Fun Habit, Mike Rucker explores how the pursuit of joy and wonder can change your life. For Rucker, fun is integral to a well-balanced life – and not the scrolling through reels kind of fun, the type that gets you up and dancing to life’s rhythm.
Moments of fun (planned or unexpected) do a lot of heavy lifting. They:
- Restore our energy
- Improve emotional resilience
- Lower levels of anxiety and depression
- Boost productivity and longevity
- Increase our ‘oomph’ – or as author Elizabeth Birkeland puts it, ‘our excitement about being alive’ (her novel Northern Lights in Provence is wonderful, read it!)
Put simply, fun strengthens our relationships, reduces stress, and creates moments of relief when life sometimes feel like an unrelenting rollercoaster.
Even better? Spontaneous invitations can also introduce you to new people, new conversations, new ways of thinking AND a brand-new cocktail: The Philharmonic.
This liquid symphony of premium brandy, vanilla syrup, pineapple juice, lemon juice and MCC has been specially curated for the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (by a very talented mixologist). It is an ode to summer, joy and meaningful moments. Each cocktail comes with a printed pineapple ‘wedge’ containing a QR code that patrons can scan to support the talent and work of the CPO.
To find out more about the work of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, where to hear them play, how to support their projects, or where to enjoy a Philharmonic please email louise@cpo.org.za.
And if you’re looking for a few things to fill your tank this summer, consider Maynardville’s festival schedule, (how good does Sunday in the Park with Sondheim sound?), the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra for orchestral events around the country, and seek out a range of outdoor concerts, markets and festivals under sunny skies – South Africa does summer well! Cheers to a season rich with fun, rhythm and revelry!
Mindful Musings
What the world was musing over this past week
Bosses: Gen Z and millennial workers have no clue what you’re talking about when you use these acronyms
LOL, WTF? Why Gen Z is drawing blanks at Boomer business speak. Read more.
Update your bucket list with a few of these bizarre destinations
Forget seeing the northern lights, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or hot air ballooning over Cappadocia. Moss & Fogg just put together the most bizarre (and intriguing) destinations to visit. Read more.
New airport planned for Gauteng
According to Gauteng’s Finance and Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, there are plans afoot for a new airport, expanded Gautrain service and a high-speed train to Limpopo! Read more.
Iconic Time Out Magazine is headed for SA!
As of 1 December, Time Out Cape Town will expand to Time Out South Africa with a mission to be the go-to publication for the best cultural, culinary and travel experiences for both locals and tourists alike. Read more.
