In June 2025 we welcome Nobuntu as Ensemble-in-Residence; an outstanding vocal quartet from Zimbabwe who embody a new wave of female African artists dedicated to sharing their heritage and traditions through the universal language of music. This unique choral cultural exchange includes two public workshops and two concerts with Academy Voices, directed by Jonathan Bligh.

Public Workshops

AFRICAN SINGING (ILIZWI*) WORKSHOP
THURSDAY 19 JUNE 10.00AM–1.00PM

In this interactive session, Nobuntu will work with participants on African harmony and rhythm by performing a group of traditional African songs. The ensemble members will introduce African harmonies and teach the basics of playing and singing African rhythms.

*The direct translation of the Zulu word ilizwi is 'the word' – in this context, singing.

AFRICAN DANCE WORKSHOP
FRIDAY 20 JUNE 10.00AM–1.00PM

Participants will learn the rhythms through drumming, clapping and movement. Members of Nobuntu will teach various dances from the Ndebele Culture, such as Isitshikitsha, Indlamu and Amabhiza. Singing will also accompany the dances, so participants will be introduced to one or two songs and these will be performed alongside the movement. Participants will also learn the origin and meaning of these rhythms.

For more details, and to book for one or both workshops, please click the link below. 

BOOK WORKSHOPS

Concerts

This residency opens a musical dialogue between Nobuntu and Academy Voices, a brand-new ensemble directed by Jonathan Bligh. This group of twelve singers is formed from members of four outstanding A Cappella Academy choirs – Adelaide Chamber Singers, Aurora Vocal Ensemble, Festival Statesmen Chorus and Rising Voices. Through intensive workshops and rehearsals, Nobuntu will share traditional music from Zimbabwe, passing on African harmonies, rhythms and unique vocal techniques to Academy Voices, who will reciprocate and explore the Australian cultural matrix.

As part of the exchange, we are delighted to commission two of the leading choral figures in Australia today, Anne Cawrse and Carl Crossin, to create new work for this distinctive combination of voices.

CONCERT ONE
SATURDAY 21 JUNE 7.30PM

CONCERT TWO
SUNDAY 22 JUNE 2.30PM

Note | Different programs will be performed at each concert.

To book for one or both concerts, please click the link below.

BOOK CONCERTS

Members of Nobuntu L–R: Duduzile Sibanda, Zanele Manhenga, Joyline Sibanda and Thandeka Moyo. Photo: Tswarelo Mothobe