Ever wondered how music can turn the chaos of life into a fusion of fire and stillness? Your curiosity can finally be put to rest.
Welcome to "5 Years, 5 Musicians," where PentaFusion delves into the melodic and harmonic complexities of transformation and unity, while trying not to step on each other's toes! A celebration of sorts, navigating the ups and downs like a band of musical renegades, improvising through change, while unearthing forgotten notes and rediscovering lost rhythms. Nestled between a missed cue and a eureka, PentaFusion realised they’d accidentally composed the soundtrack to their own evolution. 5 Years, 5 Musicians is thus more than a collection of new original works. It’s a reflection of PentaFusion’s shared growth and artistic journey over five remarkable years on the National Arts Festival Fringe stage.
In this performance, the five musicians embark on a 50-minute journey through five original pieces that draw on jazz, prog rock, symphonic metal, and classical influences to create one cohesive soundscape. As always, expect the unexpected. It’s like your favourite band’s newest tracks, but with more existential depth and no leather jackets! Book your tickets today and dive into a vibrant music celebration that promises to be an extraordinary musical experience.
Production Credits
Stacey van Schalkwyk on flute and composition
Nhlanhla Xipu on violin
Virgil Matrass on piano and composition
Yashin Naidoo on bass and composition
Pete Glover on drums
Photos Yashin Naidoo
About the Artists
PentaFusion is a bold voice in South Africa's musical landscape, where innovation meets emotional depth. Since their formation in 2022, the ensemble has drawn acclaim for their "virtuosic performances" and "fresh musical ideas" that speak to both the heart and the intellect of their audiences. They have been awarded the Standard Bank Ovation Award four times, including two Bronze Ovation Awards.
Fronted by flute and violin over a trio of piano, bass, and drums, PentaFusion reinvents what you think is possible. Their sound can be dark, sharp, and intense, yet moments of soaring beauty shine through. With a focus on Storytelling, every composition balances structured precision with space for improvisation, creating music that is both disciplined and free.
PentaFusion brings together seasoned and young musicians from Makhanda, creating a vibrant cross-generational synergy that fuels their distinctive sound. Their music is a fearless fusion of jazz, progressive rock, symphonic metal, and a hint of classical composition. Expect intricate arrangements, rhythmic daring, and moments of melodic transcendence. PentaFusion’s work is as technically masterful as it is emotionally charged, an alchemy of genres that cannot be boxed.
PentaFusion has delivered dynamic performances across South Africa, touring under the banner of Concerts SA, at the National Arts Festival, and for the Makhanda Society of Music. In addition to stage performances, the group has actively contributed to arts development by facilitating workshops, sharing skills, and engaging with diverse communities to promote musical growth and collaboration.
Trailer
- Venue: Beethoven Room
- Location: Rhodes Music Department
- Ticket price: ZAR 80.00
- Programme type: The Fringe
- Genre: Music
- Duration: 50 minutes
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Ages:
ALL AGES
