In the midst of cancelled performances and woefully looking empty diaries – five of us got to rehearse with 7 singers and a small team of production crew, and took La Bohème on tour. The funding for this project had been in existence thanks to some remarkably generous donors. Covid halted preparations. However, when the green light was signaled, the management of Cape Town Opera pulled the whole production off in record time. All 8 shows in 4 cities were sold out before we left home soil. The last time I had seen any of these cities had also been my first time, around 20 years prior.

A few years ago, I was invited to guest lecture in the United States on the intersection of music education and social justice in the international arena. Whilst each student recalled those who made a significant impact on their lives, a faculty member remarked about how our teachers live through our hands.

Mariechen is a freelance musician and teacher from Cape Town. Until recently, she has only considered herself to be a classical double bassist by profession, as that was what she studied and trained for. Throughout the lockdown period, she participated in many different online double bass lessons, masterclasses, and summits. Attending these virtual international platforms, she felt inspired and connected, regardless of the distance. At some point something just clicked, and she asked herself: ‘Why not South Africa?’

Taiji comes from Clovelly, a beautiful seaside town with dramatic mountain views in the south western side of Cape Town, South Africa. At the beginning of April, he and a few of neighbours decided to start a Community Action Network (CAN). ‘My aim is to connect people. All people have value. We all have something to offer to our communities. Sadly, oftentimes we become so lonely and caught up in our personal lives. We think, “I don't have time to be involved in the community.” But I think that community is about mutual support.