Orchestra's first performance of the year

Gallery

GEORGE NEWS - Sunday morning's drizzle had members of the Carpe Musicam! Orchestra thinking on their feet to save their very first performance this year, which was set to take place at the Garden Route Botanical Garden. They were rewarded for their effort with a full house at the George Methodist Church Hall as a last-minute replacement venue.

"A long line of disappointed people had to turn around at the [Methodist Church Hall] door due to Covid capacity. There were already people in the hall and outside on the porch," said Elsabe Barkhuizen, pianist, co-founder and manager of Carpe Musicam!

Photo gallery: Carpe Musicam! well received at Methodist Church

Those walking past the church were met by a bouquet of sound, "a celebration of life, love and just about everything else", as described by conductor and co-founder Norman Carless.

Carless said it was very pleasing to see so many people keen to hear live music despite the change in venue and the lurking threat of Covid. "But it was especially gratifying to see so many young people thoroughly enjoying orchestral music," he said.

Asked whether the orchestra will consider another go at a performance in the botanical garden, Barkhuizen said the risk is too big. "Unfortunately we are not geared to brave the outdoors. Even if it has not rained a lot, one cannot take a chance with extremely expensive sound equipment and instruments. The possibility of only a few drops of rain and wind makes the risk too great," she said.

Carpe Musicam! Orchestra performing in front of a very appreciative audience at the George Methodist Church last Sunday. Photo: Gustav Snyman