As we neared the end of Edward Kreitman’s remarkable directorship at WSSTE, we felt an exhilarating sense of purpose: we had to create the tour of a lifetime for the Chicago Consort. This was to be his farewell tour, a celebration of his legacy, and we were bursting with excitement to embark on this adventure with him as the new directors of the school. We decided to think big—our destination: the enchanting landscapes of South Africa.
At O’Hare Airport, the energy was palpable. Students buzzed with anticipation, their laughter and chatter blending with the excited conversations of parents, all eager to soak up the adventure ahead. Armed with 20 violins and a djembe, we embarked on our 24-hour journey to South Africa, ready for the amazing experiences that awaited us.
The moment we landed in Johannesburg, our adventure began with an immersive song workshop led by an African conductor. He introduced us to a beloved traditional song in Afrikaans, complete with a lively dance. The workshop became a joyous celebration, with everyone participating, including grandparents and siblings who had joined us for this extraordinary experience. We split into four-part harmony, and our talented Suzuki violinists quickly grasped the song and its harmonies, decorating the moment with music and creating a treasured experience. The harmonies resonated richly, the rhythms invigorated our spirits, and the movements set our hearts dancing. Children’s faces beamed with joy, their iPhones recording every second as the music wove a spell around us. As we departed, laughter and song spilled from the children, their giggles dancing through the air as they recreated the dance movements with pure delight, clutching their song booklets—a cherished keepsake to reminisce on later. While we traveled to South Africa to share our music, we were deeply grateful to receive the soulful sound of South African music in return. And it was only Day 1; the inspiration was just beginning.
Meanwhile, Edward Kreitman captivated an audience of Suzuki teachers and parents from across Africa with his insights and experience. He spoke about teaching priorities, and the importance of review for the development of skills. Their enthusiasm ignited our own excitement for the concert that awaited us that evening.
That night, we joined forces with the Suzuki Association of South Africa for a spectacular concert in the Linder Auditorium alongside renowned teacher trainers Lee Marais, Carol Solomon, and Sonika Mentor. The evening opened with a heartfelt Suzuki Playdown performed by South African children, reminiscent of our own Group Class Concerts at WSSTE. The Chicago Consort took the stage for the second half, captivating the audience with our tone, expressiveness, and carefully curated program. The energy surged with each piece; applause grew louder and more fervent, smiles widened, and phones were out capturing moments of sheer joy. The finale—an exhilarating joint performance of "Twinkle" with South African Suzuki players—was met with heartfelt gratitude from the audience. We walked off the stage elated, having shared warmth and camaraderie across continents.
Later, we indulged in a culinary adventure at a renowned local restaurant called Carnivore—The Brazilian Steakhouse of South Africa! The menu was a wild feast, featuring giraffe, zebra, venison, chicken liver, kudu, and more! Just when we thought the night couldn’t get any more exciting, we were unexpectedly invited to participate in a spontaneous musical jam session. Right there in the restaurant! The kids eagerly picked up their violins while South African waiters joined in on drums, creating an unforgettable moment that would become a core memory for all. Laughter and joy filled the air as we played, and the whole restaurant erupted with applause, joining us in the magic that unfolded. “This is what it’s all about…” Ed remarked, imparting his lifetime of wisdom. We as the new incoming directors felt it profoundly, the parents witnessed it, and the kids reveled in the euphoria. As we left Carnivore that night, the vibrant energy translated into smiles and chatter echoing through the night, with exclamations of “We are really in South Africa!” The tour’s magic had left us starry-eyed as we returned to our hotel under the shimmering night sky. To top it off, we spotted the Scorpio constellation—an awe-inspiring first for many of us.
Day 2 was dedicated to exploration. Our first stop was the poignant Apartheid Museum, where we each received randomized tickets assigning our race for the day—black or white. This immersive experience taught us about apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s indelible influence on South Africa as we navigated the museum’s powerful exhibits. Later, we embarked on a guided walking tour through Soweto, feeling the pulse of its vibrant culture as local natives shared stories of resilience and hope. We visited the homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu and learned about the brave children who fought for their education during the Soweto Uprising, a pivotal protest against the use of Afrikaans in schools, and how many of them tragically lost their lives in the struggle for their rights. We concluded the day with an authentic Soweto meal—aiming for at least seven colors on our plates for the most genuine experience. Talented street performers welcomed us with lively dance and song, performing barefoot with instruments made from leg maracas!
After an enriching day filled with cultural experiences and education, we headed to the Morris Isaacson Centre for Music, a Soweto music school. There, we engaged in an informal performance designed to foster collaboration through love and friendship. Consort captivated the audience with a selection of their pieces, and soon the room overflowed with eager listeners. By the end, seats were bursting at capacity!
When our ensemble performed "Hallelujah," Patrick Connolly encouraged everyone present to join in singing, improvising, and expressing themselves freely. What began as a beautiful rendition blossomed into a communal experience, with voices rising in harmony. One young girl from the audience stepped forward to share her own heartfelt serenade, and tears filled countless eyes. We were moved, yet we couldn’t believe that the experience could get any more profound.
Riding the wave of this collective connection, we decided to collaborate further and learn a new piece of music together. The Soweto Music School presented a sight-reading piece, and our Consort kids quickly mingled with their Soweto counterparts for an introductory lesson. As the jam session unfolded, the atmosphere ignited with enthusiasm—people danced, clapped, and beamed with joy. Even Emily, the new director of WSSTE, jumped in to join the locals for some hip-bumping boogieing, fueled by sheer enthusiasm! Our hearts swelled with the sheer spirit of creativity!
Once the session concluded, Consort students and the Soweto children connected through exchanges of laughter and shared excitement, savoring the joyful moments before it was time to leave. Parents shed joyful tears, children’s laughter soared to blissful highs, and we reflected on the beauty of Day 2.
In the following days, we checked off a major bucket list item—an open vehicle game drive safari! We received a checklist of animals to spot, packed into six open vehicles, and set off on this exhilarating scavenger hunt. We witnessed a majestic family of 12 elephants just a stone's throw away (some lucky witnesses even saw two elephants tussling!), captured selfies with giraffes, observed lounging hippos, and watched a mama and baby rhino cross the road. We heard a lion’s roar, and glimpsed the elusive Pumba (warthog), zebras and giraffes coexisting harmoniously, wildebeests roaming in packs, and kudu and impala frolicking across the grasslands. We concluded our first safari day with a magical buffet dinner under the stars on the game reserve, sharing stories, meaningful conversation, and laughter around a warming fire.
Our adventures continued as we traveled to George, a city that felt like a delightful blend of Los Angeles and Colorado infused with South African charm. We visited the mesmerizing Cango Caves, marveling at underground chambers, limestone formations, and an auditorium hidden within the rock. Afterward, we enjoyed some playful moments at an ostrich farm, where we received snuggles, tickles, and even neck massages from these curious creatures! We learned fascinating facts about ostriches, including that they’re the world’s largest birds, that male ostriches perform extravagant dances to woo their mates, and you can stand on top of an ostrich egg without breaking it (we tried it!).
After days packed with excitement, we returned to our violins for a collaborative concert with local celebrity musician, Koos van der Merwe. The concert was sold out, and our young musicians delighted the audience, who savored soup and sherry as they listened. During our joint performance of "Hallelujah," our soloist, Olivia Mattson, beautifully stepped up to collaborate with Koos. She gracefully expressed her phrases to match his verbalization, adjusted her timing effortlessly to adhere to his fluid interpretation of rhythms and articulations, and all with rock solid professionalism. Her integration of musicality inspired her peers to embrace the moment, naturally transitioning into a polished performance. We watched in awe as these kids, who had just been giggling with ostriches, turned into savvy and skilled experts. Concert number three was a shining success!
On our journey to Cape Town—the final destination of our tour—we made a stop to dip our toes in the Indian Ocean, a sandy and playful moment that our courier, Pieter, ensured we could check off our bucket list. When we arrived to Cape Town, we prepared for our most special concert yet: a collaboration with the Cape Town Camerata. This partnership was a dream come true for Patrick. After discovering the captivating song "Iza Ngomso," performed by the Cape Town Camerata with thousands of views on YouTube, he arranged a version of this enchanting piece for Consort. "Iza Ngomso," which translates to "The Future Is Coming" in English, is a beloved South African song often performed in choral arrangements. It carries an uplifting and hopeful message about the future, reflecting themes of unity, resilience, and optimism. The song is celebrated for its ability to bring people together and foster a sense of shared purpose. We were thrilled when our tour company, ACFEA, facilitated this collaboration, allowing us to embody the essence of this piece in a truly meaningful moment. And the day had finally arrived! The two groups came together to perform "Iza Ngomso" and "Hallelujah," filling the air with inspiration and connection. The breathtaking church was flush with smiles, and the concert ended with a standing ovation and ceaseless applause that echoed long after the final note had faded. Our fourth and final concert had been victorious, a resounding celebration of music and culture.
In the final days of our journey, we relished in sightseeing and tourism! We wrapped up our journey with visits to Seal Island and Penguin Point, cherished memories from shopping along the alluring waterfront of the Cape, took a cable car up the famous Table Mountain named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and went on an excursion to Robben Island steeped in the history of Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment.
As our tour drew to a close, none of us wanted to leave; it felt as if each day had outdone the last. And yet, our remarkable tour company ensured we ended with a bang. We had our farewell dinner at a restaurant called Gold. It was a vibrant feast, featuring mesmerizing South African performers, dancers, face painting, and an exhilarating, colorful atmosphere infused with the rhythms of Africa. Each dish presented to us was from a different country in Africa, allowing us to experience the continent through many vibrant flavors. The night concluded with our Consort families—parents and children alike—gathering on the performance stage to participate in a jubilant South African dance!
Under the guidance of our exceptional ACFEA couriers, Pieter and Chivell, our tour unfolded seamlessly. We enjoyed incredible venues, captivated large audiences, experienced a wealth of musical performances, engaged in meaningful sightseeing, deepened our cultural awareness, fostered education, and built lasting friendships—all while creating cherished memories to last a lifetime. This tour exceeded our wildest expectations.
To orchestrate a tour of this magnitude, numerous layers of success and support are vital. ACFEA was remarkable— they ensured each moment unfolded flawlessly, meticulously planning every detail. Their informative bus tours allowed us to ask any question—we received a treasure trove of knowledge. They curated classic experiences while sharing unique insider tips that made our journey feel distinct and enriching. Being guided by these locals, Pieter and Chivell provided insight beyond our wildest dreams. They encouraged us even when we complained of fatigue or early mornings, knowing we’d find joy in the adventures that awaited us. Together, they packed our days with 12 unforgettable days—thank you, ACFEA!
Secondly, such a tour wouldn’t be possible without the parents. The Suzuki parent role begins when children are as young as four, and each parent on this journey had shown resilience through countless years of practice, challenges, triumphs, and unwavering support. Without their trust in us Suzuki teachers, none would have had the opportunity to embark on such a magnificent adventure. After years of commitment, both children and parents reaped the rewards of their hard work. Thank you, Suzuki parents!
Finally, a heartfelt acknowledgment to Edward Kreitman, who fostered a culture of excellence, commitment, love, and hard work within our school. Edward has dedicated 44 years to realizing his vision for our Suzuki families, and we are forever grateful.
The South Africa Tour 2024 was an overwhelmingly triumphant success!
Patrick and Emily Connolly are the new directors of the Western Springs School of Talent Education and Naperville Suzuki School. Patrick takes the reins of the Chicago Consort, succeeding the esteemed former director and founder, Thomas Wermuth.
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