Be swept away by these classical sounds
Symphony of the Soul
"We hope to be able to offer young people in particular the opportunity to stand on a stage in the future as well. With Symphony of the Soul, we hope to create a stage for up-and-coming young classical musicians," said Nythen Dien (27).He and Trudy Gertze (29) are the two classical musicians behind Saturday night's contemporary classical concert Symphony of the Soul which takes place at the College of the Arts (Cota) at 18:00.
Trudy was born in Windhoek but was sent to a farm at the age of three months to live with her grandmother and grandfather. "I grew up there and music has always been part of my life. My grandfather took out his accordion in the evenings and I sang. When I turned 15, I joined the Cota youth choir and that's where the singing bug bit me. A few years later, I started formal classical music training," she said.
Nythen was born in Keetmanhoop and grew up in Koës.
"I obtained my degree in accounting in Windhoek and currently work as an auditor. I joined Cota at 17 and also started my classical training. My teacher refers to me as a 'double brain', because left-brained people work more with numbers and right-brained people are creative.
"For me to be able to function, I have to have the structure of my work, but also the creative outlet of music, otherwise my life is unbalanced," he said.
The concert is Nythen and Trudy's brainchild.
"We have known each other for years and I have a lot of anxiety. I have been singing for 15 years and this is now the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and perform on a stage in front of people I know. Saturday night is my birthday and I turn 30. I've been singing for half my life, and what a fitting night to hold the concert. To get over my anxiety,” Trudy said.
"When you stand on stage and immerse yourself in the music and the instruments that accompany you, everything around you falls away. It's just you and the music and nothing else matters," said Nythen.
Besides Trudy and Nythen's performance that evening, the Voices of Windhoek choir will also perform.
"Voices of Windhoek consists of former Cota members who have now formed a smaller choir. I will also sing with them. Failed Trip are four friends who founded an a cappella group. I am a co-founder. In 2020, a big talent competition was presented and we formed the group to enter. We finished second and although the group was only formed for the competition, opportunities still come our way to this day. Justin Anthony is also a former Cota member. We all know each other and we are like a big family," said Trudy.
The evening will also place the spotlight on mental health.
"Music has a huge impact on people's lives. Whether you are sad or happy - no matter how you feel - you listen to music. You don't necessarily link to heal or deal with your emotions. Music can force you to deal with your emotions rather than just going through them," Nythen said.
"Come enjoy the evening with us and listen to young Namibian talent and classical music."
Tickets for Saturday night's show are available via Webtickets or on 081 036 2739/081 295 2440.
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