East London is set to experience an extraordinary evening of classical music, as local musicians come together for the Devo Chamber Orchestra concert, on November 26 at the Guild Theatre.
Led by seasoned conductor and music educator Wesley Wong, the orchestra will perform a repertoire featuring works by Shostakovich, Haydn, Schubert and more. Wong, a conductor with nearly two decades of experience and a faculty member at Hudson Park High School, expressed deep gratitude to be at the helm of the orchestra this year.
“East London has a wealth of talented orchestral musicians, but there are limited opportunities for them to perform on a larger scale,” Wong said. “The Devo Chamber Orchestra is pivotal in promoting and fostering orchestral music in the city.”
Wong credited his father-in-law, a distinguished conductor, for inspiring his love for orchestras early on.
“He nurtured my passion for band and orchestral music, and I haven’t looked back since,” he said.
Wong aims to provide students with meaningful exposure to live orchestral performances. “Seeing a professional orchestra in their hometown inspires them to pursue music and participate in similar projects in the future.”
Among the performers is trumpeter Sakhile Simane, returning to the orchestra after his debut in 2019. Soloist Siphokazi Mzamo will take the stage for her first performance with the Devo Chamber Orchestra. She described the opportunity as unique and enriching.
“Performing with an orchestra creates a magical atmosphere and helps me grow as a musician,” Mzamo said.
“It’s a chance to develop my vocal technique, improve stage presence, and learn how to perform with other musicians in a large ensemble.”
As Mzamo prepares to graduate from her music studies, she views this performance as an important step in her journey.
“It’s a platform to collaborate, build teamwork, and gain recognition, all while preparing me for the music industry,” she said.
Pianist Germaine Gamiet, who grew up in a musical household, will also perform as a soloist for the first time with the Devo Orchestra. Gamiet started playing piano at age 10 and expressed his excitement about the upcoming concert.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen inspiring growth in orchestral performances in East London. Devo is adding another incredible platform to that mix,” Gamiet said. “The Shostakovich piece we’re performing is both beautiful and dramatic, and I look forward to sharing it with the audience.”
He described orchestral music as one of the most powerful forms of storytelling.
“Our job as musicians is to tell the story, and the audience gets to experience and connect with it in their own way,” Gamiet said.
“Performing with an orchestra in my hometown is a definite highlight of my career.”
With a diverse programme and passionate performers, the Devo Chamber Orchestra concert promises an unforgettable evening for classical music enthusiasts. Wong, Simane, Mzamo, and Gamiet have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, aiming to inspire audiences and build a stronger orchestral culture in East London.
Mark your calendars for November 26 and join the Devo Chamber Orchestra at the Guild Theatre for an hour of breathtaking music that showcases the city’s rich musical talent.
