The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Principal’s Concert brought Hatfield campus to life with two captivating evenings of music and celebration. Held in early September, the event drew large crowds who gathered on the Aula lawn to enjoy picnics, a relaxed evening under the stars and a programme of exceptional performances.

The Principal’s Concert has become a much-anticipated highlight on the University’s cultural calendar. Carefully curated and meticulously prepared, it offers audiences the chance to experience artistic excellence across a range of genres, while also demonstrating UP’s commitment to nurturing and empowering young talent in the local arts community.

The programme included the UP Symphony Orchestra, UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble, UP Jazz Ensemble and the UP Camerata. Together, these groups created an atmosphere that left audiences inspired and enthralled.

“UP’s School of the Arts gave us a multidisciplinary performance told in four acts, each inspired by the University’s core values of action, collaboration, excellence and diversity,” said Professor Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UP. “This powerful narrative brought UP to life, showcasing how these values ignite the power of possibility in individuals and communities alike. Thank you to the artistic directors and those involved in other capacities for bringing this evening to light. What we witnessed on stage was more than just a performance – it was confidence taking shape, dreams being expressed and possibilities being unlocked.”

Prof Petersen added that the concert reflected the University’s role as both an academic and cultural hub. 

“Another highlight of the evening was the performance of the song ‘Power of Possibility’, which was composed by Atlegang Milanzi for my inauguration in March this year,” he said. “Commissioned for this historic occasion, the piece embodies the University’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and academic excellence. With lyrics in English, Afrikaans and Sepedi, it reflects the rich diversity of the University community and its shared vision for the future. With its inspiring harmonies and multilingual text, the song captures the transformative power of education and a commitment to progress.”

The evening also featured animations by UP alumnus and renowned artist Diek Grobler, whose work has been exhibited since 1988 and is included in several major public and corporate collections. In addition to his own artistic production, Grobler has contributed to avant-garde theatre and public art projects throughout his career, working in a range of media including ceramics, oil and gouache painting, and scraperboard drawing.

“As a leading African global university, we pride ourselves on producing impactful research to find solutions for the world’s most pressing issues,” Prof Petersen said. “We know that the actions we take today affect future generations, and that each and every individual can make a difference by shining their unique light.”

Audience members also shared their impressions of the evening. 

“It was my first time attending this concert, and I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Prof Paola Wood of UP’s Department of Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences. “It was inspirational. I will definitely be coming again.”

“The concert was beautiful,” added concert attendee Nisa Muvhalo. “My favourite part was Act IV, Diversity. It was worth the one-hour wait. This concert was fantastic and breathtaking.”

Once again, the Principal’s Concert reminded audiences that UP is not only a place of academic excellence, but also a home for creativity, collaboration and celebrating culture.

Source link