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Performing Arts News
From Tulip Fields to Concert Halls
On May 2, BYU’s jazz ensemble Synthesis began their tour to Europe in the Netherlands. Members of Synthesis immersed themselves in Amsterdam’s vibrant ambiance, exploring the world-renowned Keukenhof Tulip Gardens and riding a canal boat through the city. Later Synthesis performed an original arrangement in a meetinghouse in Amsterdam before taking center stage Sunday evening at the ZIMIHC Theater Stefanus, where they performed alongside student big bands from Utrecht and Stuttgart. Before leaving the Netherlands, Synthesis joined a master class at Conservatorium Maastricht conducted by Dave Kikoski and Alex Sipiagin, two world-class jazz musicians. Synthesis then traveled to Germany, visiting Bad Bergzabern and Kaiserslautern, where they conducted performance workshops with high school student bands and performed for enthusiastic crowds. In Brussels, the European Union Office and International Affairs Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted Synthesis for a special performance for ambassadors from around the globe on May 10 at the KBR Museum. Elder Jack Gerard of the Europe Central Area Presidency and Sister Jean Bingham, former Relief Society General President, spoke with the band members about the importance of building global bridges and the impact their conversations and performance would have that night in helping those bridges turn into friendships.
Building Friendships in China
After landing in Guangzhou, China, on Thursday, May 9, the BYU Young Ambassadors headed to Shamian Island, a historic river port covered in colonial architecture and lush greenery. They visited the renowned Qingping Medicine Market, where the sights, sounds, and scents of traditional Chinese medicine provided a sensory experience unlike any other. That evening, the Young Ambassadors set sail on a cruise on the Pearl River, taking in panoramic views of the city’s skyline. The next morning brought a blend of tradition and collaboration as the Young Ambassadors delved into the cultural heritage of Guangzhou. They explored the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and its trove of art and history. Continuing their learning, they visited the Guangdong Teachers College of Foreign Language and Arts, where they participated in a cultural exchange with students at the college. Students from both schools reveled in sharing their dance talents and bonding despite language barriers. Saturday was a day of preparation and anticipation as the Young Ambassadors readied themselves for their opening performance at the esteemed National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Fine-tuning their harmonies and choreography, they poured their hearts and souls into their first show. Those in attendance were especially moved by the group’s rendition of the Chinese folk song “Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower)” at the close of the show. The Young Ambassadors left Guangzhou on Sunday for Shanghai. Once they landed, they wasted no time immersing themselves in the city’s culture at the Asia Pacific Shopping Plaza. They ended their day with a traditional Chinese meal in the beautiful and historic Yu Yuan area and a stroll along the Bund, enjoying the contrast of the colonial architecture on one side of the river and the modern, LED-lit Shanghai skyline on the opposite side. The Young Ambassadors’ first week in China has left the students excited for the cities and performances ahead of them on their tour. They look forward to many more connections with people they will meet during their upcoming adventures.
Service, Safaris, and the Spirit
Week two for the Ballroom Dance Company commenced with a visit to the Bahurutshe Cultural Village near Gaborone, Botswana. After an enlightening morning, the group had the unique opportunity to share lunch with and be addressed by Howard A. Van Vranken, US ambassador to Botswana. A highlight of the busy day was a cultural exchange and dinner with traditional dance group Mafitlhakgosi from Old Naledi, one of the oldest townships in Gaborone. The company later gathered for an uplifting home evening with missionaries and members of the Gaborone Botswana Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After completing a radio interview the next morning, the BYU group teamed up with volunteers from Duma FM, missionaries from the Church, and community members to clean up litter in Bokaa, a small village on the outskirts of Gaborone. The Ballroom Dance Company then put on a VIP reception and breathtaking performance for 1,500 people at the University of Botswana’s Indoor Sports Arena. Connie Rapoo, associate professor of visual and performing arts at the University of Botswana, shared thoughts that an audience member expressed to her: “Magnificent, marvelous, magical! I was transfixed the entire show and transferred into another world! I was moved to tears more than once and overwhelmed by the beauty that came alive before us.” After journeying to Pilanesberg National Park, the BYU dancers found themselves amidst the breathtaking beauty of the South African wilderness. An evening game drive offered glimpses of Africa’s majestic wildlife, igniting a sense of awe among the company. The next day they went on a morning game drive, where they spotted wildlife of all kinds and enjoyed the landscape before they headed to Johannesburg, South Africa. While in Johannesburg, the company attended the temple, which provided moments of reflection and spiritual renewal. Following the temple, they gave an informal performance at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton. A highlight of their stay in Johannesburg was spending time reading aloud some of their favorite books, which they donated to the children of the Windybrow Arts Centre. Windybrow hosts an after-school program devoted to the betterment and enrichment of children’s lives in the neighborhood of Hillbrow. The company also paid a visit to Mandela House in nearby Soweto—a former home of Nelson Mandela that has been turned into a public heritage site and museum. Their time in South Africa finished with two electrifying performances that afternoon and evening at Gibson Kente Theatre. As the week drew to a close, the company made the long journey to majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, where they immersed themselves in the splendor of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders and explored the astonishing beauty of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. During their final week abroad, the Ballroom Dance Company will continue to weave their magic throughout southern Africa as they perform three more times and engage in meaningful experiences to come.