American Cultural Diplomacy in South Africa Right Now, Courtesy of the University of Michigan

At the precise moment that US President Donald Trump was accusing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa of denying acts of racial persecution, the University of Michigan Orchestra began a five-concert tour of South Africa with a smashing two and half hour program at the University of Pretoria. The terrific performance, ignited by conductor Kenneth Kiesler, nailed the symphony’s rocketing syncopations — and drove the sold out audience to a ululating frenzy of acclaim. But the concert’s peak impact occurred near the close, when the 100 musicians abandoned their instruments and stood to sing the beloved Xhosa song “Bawo Thixo Somandla.” Halfway through, they began to sway and gesture.

Author: Joe Horowitz

---