I have been in Zimbabwe for the last two weeks and have had an amazing time. The trip has involved a friend's wedding, research for my thesis, planning for life next year, and getting to know my sister- and brother-in-law much better. Overall: total success. More stories to come, but here's one about the local culture in Bulawayo (the closest city to where I will be living next year).
The Bulawayo Music Festival
It is a series of musical performances, involving international artists (such as two opera singers: an amazing mezzo-soprano, Alenka Ponjavic, and an equally amazing South African baritone, Njabulo Madlala), as well as locals, even including the local school choirs.
One of the most enjoyable performances was "The Song of The Carnivores," a choral series of music about the five great carnivores of Zimbabwe: the Lion, the Cheetah, the Hyena, the Leopard, and the Wild Dog. The piece was composed by Richard Sisson, specifically for the event, and was performed by school choirs of all age groups from the local schools as well as instrumental musicians, both local and international.
Each section highlighted one of the five carnivores with narration and very fitting instrumental and vocal parts. It was fun and refreshing, and had a real local flare from the participating schools.
I look forward to see what the festival has in store for next year...
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