Kaya 959 Reporter
Ofentse Pitse is a trailblazer in the classical music space and continuing to chart new grounds
The 27-year-old South African, is the first black woman to conduct and own an all-black orchestra.
Her 40-piece symphonic orchestra contributes to the promotion of African composers and the advancement of young black kids.
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Pitse spoke to Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi and shared some insights on what it takes to own, run and conduct and all-black orchestra.
LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION HERE:
Ofentse Pitse, who was born in South Africa, began playing at the age of 12.
Pitse spoke about why she loves being a conductor of an orchestra and why the role is important in the context of the bigger picture.
“It’s one thing to know music and to stand in front of people and getting the best out of them is what it is all about.”
“Conductors have their back to the audience and they are facing the musicians, the audience is the second tier of what you are doing. The first tier is that your assignment is to bring the best out of the musicians.”
She fell in love with the sounds she heard there and was exposed to a wide range of genres.
Pitse considers her musical talent to be a calling, and she attributes it to her grandfather, who believes she is his reincarnation. His heritage drove her to attain her goals because he was a trumpet player and symphony leader.
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