Seatavern

O Fire of the Spirit: From the Ashes

Inaugural Concert - Goodnow Hall, Wellington

Saturday, 11 October 2025 at 12:00

A Musical Journey of Transformation and Hope “O Fire of the Spirit” weaves ancient mystical sounds with contemporary voices into a mesmerizing soundscape of transformation and renewal. This extraordinary musical experience flows like a river through time and culture: from Hildegard von Bingen’s 12th- century celestial visions to contemporary South African compositions that speak to our own time and place.

Historic Significance This performance holds special meaning as the very first concert in the beautifully restored historic Goodnow Hall. Like the fynbos that flourishes anew after fire, this concert celebrates the remarkable ability to rise from ashes and create beauty from destruction. Dr. Adrienne van As will provide a brief historical introduction to the hall before the performance begins.

The Musical Journey The program draws inspiration from resilience and renewal, featuring works by Hildegard von Bingen, Princess Magogo kaDinizulu (arranged by Peter Klatzow), Samuel Barber, John Tavener, Braam du Toit, and Lusibalwethu Sesanti. Each composition tells a story of transformation - of the refinement that comes through fire and the harmonious unity that follows.

Braam du Toit’s “My Blessing,” originally written for Goodnow Hall, finds its spiritual home in this restored space. Inspired by the Noah story, the music carries us across waters of uncertainty toward a new dawn, evoking a world where opposites reconcile and destruction gives way to renewal and hope.

Performers:Bongiwe Nakani (mezzo soprano)Lente Louw (mezzo soprano)Sandra Prinsloo (narrator)Sunell Jacobs (conductor)Nicholas Bruiners (violin 1)Kaitlin Visser-Downie (violin 2)Petrus Coetzee (viola)Ashlin Grobbelaar (cello)Siyolise Nyondo (contrabass)José Dias (piano)Women’s Choir from Overberg villages and akKOORd

Venue Details Goodnow Hall’s exceptional acoustics and historical significance create an intimate, sacred space for this musical pilgrimage. The hall’s own story of renewal - having risen from fire twice in its history - mirrors the transformative themes of the concert program.

Supporting the Woordfees Festival This concert works in harmony with an evening performance at Stellenbosch’s Moederkerk as part of the official Woordfees program, creating a unified celebration of music, community, and cultural heritage.May this music awaken empathy, nurture compassion, and echo deeper understanding as we witness together the transformative power of sounds that cross boundaries and bind communities.

Duration: Approximately 80 minutes Tickets: R180 | Students: R100 | Pensioners: R162 Information: braamdutoit@gmail.com