As part of the Imagine City Hall Art Music Series continues this week with a performance tonight by Rus Nerwich, an artist of high integrity and sensitivity entitled “Mantras4ModernMan”. This is a musical force, comprising of some of South Africas most recognized and celebrated musicians. The Band Includes: Rus Nerwich on Saxophone, Andrew Lilly on Piano, Wesley Rustin on Double Bass, Kevin Gibson on Drums.
Mantras brings a unique mix of world music grooves, heartfelt melody and soul searching improvisations. Mantras4Modern Man is a project that was born in 2007. Material composed by Rus Nerwich was then released on two albums the following year. As Mantras in spiritual practices throughout history have been used to conjure up internal explorations, points of focus and simple ways of reminding the self of specific points, The project uses melodic phrases as trajectory point of free improvisation and aural exploration. A fusion of semitic melodic influences, impressionistic musical textures and brought together by rhythmic grooves, Mantras4modern man invites the listener on an exploration and improvised conversation.
Rus Nerwich has a reputation for being an innovative and dedicated musician. Committed to using music as a vehicle to uplift, communicate and empower, Nerwich is highly regarded by both musicians and the listening public. His recent offerings have included “Under the Poetree”, “Beyond the Wallls” and “As Above So Below.”
Peter Theunissen, CEO of the Cape Music Industry Commission and the Cape MIC team have one great wish. This wish to unite all creative industries manifests itself physically, with the desire to take back our beautiful City Hall as a dedicated creative venue. The Imagine City Hall project is spearheaded by The Africa Centre, Creative Cape Town and Cape MIC; all passionate stakeholders in the Creative Industries.
Imagine City Hall music is produced by Silent revolutions: a young company headed up by local musicians Lee Thompson and Kesivan Naidoo who share the greater project vision. They wish to see a dedicated space in Cape Town that allows musicians freedom of expression for the sake of expression without having to define themselves by genre or by audience; without having to apologize for whatever emerges from collaboration and imagination. Effectively this is what the two would like to define as ‘Art Music’.
We would love to encourage all attendants to take in the beautiful architecture the art contributed by over 101 visual artists, and of course, the music. Expect unique collaborations that will challenge and move you on a deep level comprising of international, national and local musicians. Open eyes and ears please.
