In the midst of all the anxieties fostered by current geopolitical turmoil, it’s reassuring to encounter some optimism, particularly when it is justified. Positivity is the reaction invited by an interview with Rod Stevens (pictured left), committee Chairman of the Cape Town-based Friends of Orchestral Music (FOM), as he reviews this organisation’s history and its present achievements that bode well for the future, says BEVERLEY BROMMERT:
Classical music has been a part of this quietly-spoken man’s life since the age of five, when he began playing the piano; regarding a career choice later on in life, his options were concert pianist or architect, and although the latter won, his love of music remained.
He describes himself as “a recreational pianist”, bemoaning the fact that he has so little time to devote to the keyboard.
That is hardly surprising, since he chairs a committee of ten whose collective endeavour is to generate, develop, and promote awareness and appreciation of orchestral music in and around Cape Town – a demanding commitment by any standards.
Looking back on the evolution of the current Friends from the latter years of the last century, Stevens recalls: “Some time before the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra was privatised, a Development Committee was established to help raise funds for lightening the financial burden on the City of Cape Town in maintaining its orchestra.”
Thereafter this committee underwent a series of name changes dictated by the fluctuating fortunes of Cape Town’s orchestra. Variously known as Friends of the CTSO (1987), Friends of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (1997, when the CTSO amalgamated with the CAPAB Orchestra), and finally, Friends of Orchestral Music (from 2000), the variously-titled committee has remained steadfast in its efforts to assist the mother city’s orchestral musicians.
“Even when the CTPO was liquidated in 2002, the FOM carried on regardless,” says Stevens.
Just as well, because thanks to the heroic team efforts of one Ton Vosloo and his friends, sufficient funding was raised to establish the present Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. (CPO).
FOM activities
Stevens took over chairmanship of the FOM committee from Derek Auret in 2017. While he is emphatic that all the Friends’ achievements are the result of team work rather than due to any individual member, he singles out glamorous soprano Louise Howlett (pictured right) as his right-hand person in pursuit of FOM’s activities.
Most patrons of fund-raising events in and around Cape Town will recognise the tall, elegantly clad figure handing out tickets at a foyer table, or acting as compere in recitals: an indefatigable presence in the world of classical music, as well as a professional singer in her own right.
Among the FOM’s fundraising events are musical soirées hosted by Bowmans, a valued ongoing sponsor of the Friends for some three years.
“We enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship,” comments Stevens, explaining that while Bowmans plays an integral part in helping the Friends develop a strategy to expand their fundraising reach, the exponents of orchestral music provide entertainment to complement the gourmet food and exceptional wines which are offered to Bowman’s clientele to ensure a rewarding night out.
In the compact venue on the 11th floor of Bowman’s Building, the number of seats averages one hundred, of which 25% are allocated to Bowmans’ clients, and the rest to FOM supporters.
Each year a concept is chosen for these soirées, and the current theme is “look behind the scenes”.
Earlier this year some lesser known instruments (such as the marimba) were brought to the fore, to demonstrate what they can offer lovers of classical music.
Youth development
Coming up this month is a further insight into the CPO’s activities, this time focusing on youth development – a project that resonates strongly with FOM.
As early as 1987, the then-Friends of the CTSO had begun helping facilitate demo concerts for school children, especially from disadvantaged communities; the young audiences were bussed in to the City Hall on Thursday mornings and sometimes Sunday afternoons.
Today its descendant, the FOM, not only supports audience development among the youth of the Western Cape; it also sponsors established organisations who provide grass-roots-level music training programmes.
Among these are the Beau Soleil Music Centre, the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, and development projects of the CTPO, including its Youth Orchestra (pictured above) and CPO Academy. Various bursaries also benefit from FOM support, enabling students from the Western Cape to attend the SA National Youth Orchestra course.
Before the performance at this month’s soirée, there will be an instructive conversation between pre-concert presenter John Woodland and John Minnaar-Msimang (Manager of CPO’s Youth Education and Development), concerning projects under the aegis of the orchestra.
Thereafter five young musicians from the CPYO will perform Paul Taffanel’s Wind Quintet in G minor, op 11.
Next to shine is a young soloist as, following the CPYO Wind Quintet’s contribution to the evening’s pleasures, the phenomenally gifted pianist Gerhard Joubert takes centre stage.
He will share the progress of his short but stellar career with the audience before playing some of his favourite pieces on the piano from Ian Burgess-Simpson.
The fledgling maestro is about to leave for Switzerland to further his studies, no doubt a worthy cultural ambassador for this country.
Plenty of bread on its board
With so many portfolios to administer – such as broadcasting classical music on Fine Music Radio, sponsoring bursaries and fees for lessons, examinations and competitions, fundraising for the CPO, and facilitating donations of orchestral instruments – the FOM committee has, as the French say, “plenty of bread on its board”.
Stevens is quietly confident that at present, everything is proceeding as it should to ensure the sustainability of all the above-mentioned projects, although efforts must not be relaxed due to complacency.
When passion and perseverance drive a group of committed individuals in unanimity of purpose, the outcome can only be beneficial – as is proved by the current FOM.
Tickets for the second soiree
Book for the second FOM soiree on Thursday 14 August, 2025, at 6.30 for 7pm. At Bowmans’ Cape Town Office, 22 Bree Street in Cape Town. FOM members have the chance to purchase early-bird tickets directly for R500 (bank details here) or via Quicket for R510 along with regular tickets for R610. Pleases forward pop to info@ctconcerts.co.za For more information visit www.fomct.com or email info@fomct.com
All proceeds go to projects of the Friends of Orchestral Music. Guest Parking available.
More info: For more information on FOM, interested parties can go to the email info@fomct.com
WS
