OK, So I am swamped with work, hence the lack of activity here on this site or on The Mapmaker’s Opera site in recent days – well, yes, admittedly more like a couple of weeks actually. I have a number of posts “packed, stacked and racked” as the saying goes, but not enough time to devote to them.
I am hoping that no-one takes umbrage at me putting up this trailer of a new documentary about the Kinshasa Symphony in Central Africa. I just think it is one of the most amazing, humbling and inspirational pieces of documentary film making that I have had the joy of discovering.
Previously, in looking at the various films and documentaries that have been made to bring attention to, celebrate; and in some cases, directly promote the work of El Sistema and it’s most notable success – the Simon Bolivar Orchestra (previously the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra) – I have always been struck by the notion of how attitudinal change and opportunity is so remarkably facilitated by even the smallest amounts of human and financial investment in the Arts and, specifically in this case, Music Education.
What is simply gobsmacking about the Kinshasa Symphony, as elegantly revealed in this documentary trailer (I haven’t yet seen the whole film) is the pure indomitability of the human spirit and the courage of people when even these precious virtues are not readily evident (except from the players and the orchestral management themselves). Is it uplifting? Yes, but it is also, just beneath the surface, an abomination of how we manage to treat each other in this world, amplified by the shocking circumstances under which these amazing people come together to make music.
If someone comes up with a way of publicly supporting this wonderful amateur music ensemble, please think about supporting it. And then, look to see how you can support your own local amateur music-making society in your own backyard. You’ll feel good, and the good folk who make the music will surely benefit from your generous support.
Take care. Back to work.
Kevin
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