Ensemble Noir opens doors in Africa

Music fans in South Africa sent Ensemble Noir on their way home with a standing ovation. The Toronto-based classical group flew home last Monday following an ambitious tour of Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.

Ensemble Noir launched their tour in Accra, Ghana at the Canada Day festivities. From there they headed to an Education Fair in Lagos, Nigeria. The tour, entitled "Open Doors" made its last stop at Rand Afrikaans University Art Gallery in Johannesburg after performing for hundreds of music fans in Capetown and Pretoria.

L'Ensemble Noir is an acclaimed exponent of culturally diverse new classical music, merging the cultures of the world with contemporary music. The dynamic young ensemble is led by award-winning South African-born composer and conductor Bongani Ndodana. Most of Ensemble Noir's programs focus on music by composers from Africa and the Diaspora performed on Western orchestral instruments, recreating the sounds, rhythms and melodies of traditional African instruments.

This recent venture, co-sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, aimed to strengthen cultural and educational links between Canada and the African continent. The year 2003 is the year for NEPAD, a new multidimensional partnership that is economic as well as cultural. "Open Doors" demonstrates Canada's commitment to promoting Canadian culture and values in a new partnership with Africa.