It is my privilege to extend a heartfelt welcome to you. This is the second year that the University of the Free State (UFS) Odeion School of Music (OSM) presents a programme of this nature. I am proud of how well last year's opera was received by the Bloemfontein community; in the light of this and on request of the public and students, this year the OSM, in collaboration with the Free State Symphony Orchestra (FSSO), presents 'The Merry Widow' (by Franz Lehár) – an operetta that will again display the great talent of our students.
Music and art enriches the human spirit, strengthens our imagination, and enhances our lives; an operetta is a multifaceted art form that unites text, music, dance, and visual arts.
An operetta is not only important for the development of our vocal students, it also introduces this genre to students of orchestral instruments to broaden their practical knowledge, experience, and creating awareness through creative collaborations and partnerships.
The production of 'The Merry Widow' is the result of an amazing and unique collaborative spirit within the proud and beautiful landscape of music life at the UFS. The production is a South African adaptation of this famous operetta and will highlight and celebrate our own cultural norms and customs, and simultaneously encapsulate the spirit of Ubuntu throughout the performing arts.
Thank you to the talented cast, director, and staff at the OSM who contributed to the success of the operetta. To our sponsors – Standard Bank and the Arts Trust – thank you for your support. It is valued and deeply appreciated.
I invite you to enjoy tonight's performance.
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