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The Minnesota Orchestra performing in Johannesburg, South Africa for the final concert of the tour. Photo by Leila Navidi • Star Tribune
Minnesota Orchestra South Africa tour
Music is the message
Minnesota Orchestra is taking a first-of-its-kind tour of South Africa, building on the “musical diplomacy” mission it started with its 2015 tour in Cuba. It becomes the first U.S. orchestra to tour South Africa – and, according to the orchestra’s research – the African continent.
Music is the message
Minnesota Orchestra is taking a first-of-its-kind tour of South Africa, building on the “musical diplomacy” mission it started with its 2015 tour in Cuba. It becomes the first U.S. orchestra to tour South Africa – and, according to the orchestra’s research – the African continent.
Outreach takes center stage for orchestra tour of South Africa
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Video: Outreach takes center stage for orchestra tour of South Africa

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As the first orchestra to travel to South Africa, the Minnesota Orchestra did much more than just play in historic concert venues - they worked side-by-side with young musicians in an equal learning exchange.
Alexandra Early, a violinist with Minnesota Orchestra, shows Emanual Raseokaja, 16, center, how to play her violin as his schoolmate Bosele Seanego, 1
Star Tribune
Alexandra Early, a violinist with Minnesota Orchestra, shows Emanual Raseokaja, 16, center, how to play her violin as his schoolmate Bosele Seanego, 15, looks on.
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An extended goodbye in Johannesburg as the trip wraps up with an emotional finale
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An extended goodbye in Johannesburg as the trip wraps up with an emotional finale

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Powerful lessons learned, the musicians look back and look forward. But next stop: home.
Minnesota Orchestra associate conductor Roderick Cox poses for a photo with Boitumelo Mtsatse, from left, Refilwe Moeketsane and Kamogelo Mothobi, mem
Star Tribune, Star Tribune
Minnesota Orchestra associate conductor Roderick Cox poses for a photo with Boitumelo Mtsatse, from left, Refilwe Moeketsane and Kamogelo Mothobi, members of the South African National Youth Orchestra.
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Cello player Richard Belcher plays for his 14-month-old son Finn before performing int he concert. ] LEILA NAVIDI ï leila.navidi@startribune.com
Cellist Richard Belcher played “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” for his 14-month-old son Finn before performing in Saturday’s concert at City Hall in Johannesburg.
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It's truly a family affair for some of the touring musicians: 'We've had about 50 babysitters'

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Children play on the street in the afternoon in Kliptown, Soweto.
Star Tribune, Star Tribune
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Minnesota Orchestra members pose for a group photo with the KwaZulu Natal Youth Wind Band.
Star Tribune, Star Tribune
Minnesota Orchestra members pose for a group photo with the KwaZulu Natal Youth Wind Band.
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Bass players pack up their instruments into their trunks after the Durban concert in South Africa.
Tom Horgen — Star Tribune, Star Tribune
Bass players pack up their instruments into their trunks after the Durban concert in South Africa.
Postcard

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The Minnesota Chorale and South Africa-based choir Gauteng Choristers rehearse for the first time together.
Star Tribune, Star Tribune
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Soprano Goitsemang Lehobye sings during the premiere in South Africa of "Harmonia Ubuntu" by South African composer Bongani Ndodana-Breen.
Star Tribune, Star Tribune
Soprano Goitsemang Lehobye sings during the premiere in South Africa of "Harmonia Ubuntu" by South African composer Bongani Ndodana-Breen.
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Minnesota Orchestra South Africa preview
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Video: Minnesota Orchestra South Africa preview

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Osmo Vänskä conducts the Minnesota Orchestra during the "Celebrating Mandela at 100" concert at Orchestra Hall.
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Cape Town is seen from the ferry to Robben Island.
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Cape Town is seen from the ferry to Robben Island.
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Inon Barnatan 2014- Pianist Photo: Marco Borggreve
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Minnesota Orchestra music director Osmo Vänskä is known to British audiences for his Beethoven and Sibelius recordings.
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Bongani Ndodana-Breen composed "Harmonia Ubuntu," which opened Saturday's Minnesota Orchestra program.
Composer Bongani Ndodana-Breen.
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'Music became a weapon against apartheid,' Mandela's daughter says as orchestra previews its program
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Lauren Hertzenberg and members of the South African gospel choir 29:11 sang at a private home in Bloomington.
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Lauren Hertzenberg and members of the South African gospel choir 29:11 sang at a private home in Bloomington.
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Minnesota Orchestra commissioned Cape Town composer Bongani Ndodana-Breen for a Nelson Mandela tribute.
Christy DeSmith, Star Tribune
Minnesota Orchestra commissioned Cape Town composer Bongani Ndodana-Breen for a Nelson Mandela tribute.
Profile

South African composer celebrates 'Mandela's message' with new piece for tour

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Music director Osmo Vanska visited South Africa in 2014 and "came back raving about the whole experience."
Star Tribune, Star Tribune
Music director Osmo Vanska visited South Africa in 2014 and “came back raving about the whole experience.”
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'It's not just a tour': Orchestra announces another first

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Orchestra outlines its plans for a Mandela-themed Sommerfest
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Performance details

Cape Town

Friday, Aug. 10
On the program: Sibelius’ “En Saga,” Bernstein’s overture to “Candide,” Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Ndodana-Breen’s “Harmonia Ubuntu.”

Durban

Sunday, Aug. 12
On the program: Sibelius’ “En Saga,” Bernstein’s overture to “Candide,” Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Ndodana-Breen’s “Harmonia Ubuntu.”

Pretoria

Thursday, Aug. 16
On the program: Sibelius’ “En Saga,” Bernstein’s overture to “Candide,” Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Ndodana-Breen’s “Harmonia Ubuntu.”

Soweto

Friday, Aug. 17
On the program: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Ndodana-Breen’s “Harmonia Ubuntu” and more music by South African composers.

Johannesburg

Saturday, Aug. 18
On the program: Bernstein’s overture to “Candide,” Ndodana-Breen’s “Harmonia Ubuntu” and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

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