Pro Musica Productions - Revision history

Darryl at 14:28, 14 July 2025

2025-07-14T14:28:27Z

Darryl: /* Sources */

2025-07-14T14:17:40Z

Sources

Darryl: /* The Pro Musica Orchestra */

2025-07-14T14:17:23Z

The Pro Musica Orchestra

Darryl at 12:53, 21 July 2024

2024-07-21T12:53:20Z

Darryl: /* The Pro Musica Opera Chorus */

2024-07-21T12:51:40Z

The Pro Musica Opera Chorus

Darryl: /* The Instrumental Tuition Scheme */

2024-07-21T12:51:23Z

The Instrumental Tuition Scheme

Darryl: /* History and structure */

2024-07-21T12:50:07Z

History and structure

Darryl at 12:45, 21 July 2024

2024-07-21T12:45:28Z

Darryl at 12:42, 21 July 2024

2024-07-21T12:42:29Z

Darryl: /* History and structure */

2024-07-21T12:37:55Z

History and structure

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:28, 14 July 2025
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	The Pro Musica Productions Company also involved itself in outreach projects. Known as the centre where potential singers and instrumentalists could launch their professional careers, it invested in the talents of all South Africans since its opening in 1981. The company established relationships with the Johannesburg Bach Choir, Mohlakeng Methodist Church Choir in Randfontein, St Bernard the Martyr in Atteridgeville, Johannesburg Philharmonic Choir and Pretoria Oratorio Chorus. Other associations were with the Dobsonville Brass Band, Dobsonville Chorale, the Musica Mundo Choir, the Dobsonville Arts Association and the brilliant Soweto based chorus Imilonji KaNtu.		The Pro Musica Productions Company also involved itself in outreach projects. Known as the centre where potential singers and instrumentalists could launch their professional careers, it invested in the talents of all South Africans since its opening in 1981. The company established relationships with the Johannesburg Bach Choir, Mohlakeng Methodist Church Choir in Randfontein, St Bernard the Martyr in Atteridgeville, Johannesburg Philharmonic Choir and Pretoria Oratorio Chorus. Other associations were with the Dobsonville Brass Band, Dobsonville Chorale, the Musica Mundo Choir, the Dobsonville Arts Association and the brilliant Soweto based chorus Imilonji KaNtu.
		+
		+	All production activities were disbanded in 2008, and the venue became a receiving house.

	The City of Johannesburg, as part of its Institutional Review of 2012, resolved that [[Joburg Theatre]] (SOC) Ltd and [[Roodepoort City Theatre]] (NPC) t/a [[Pro Musica]] be integrated into a single theatre management company. The theatre management company, now known as [[Joburg City Theatres]] (JCT) renders the functions and services that, until 31 December 2012, were rendered by the 2 theatres. It also institutionalized the operation of the newly established [[Soweto Theatre]]. The effective date of the integration was 1 January 2013.		The City of Johannesburg, as part of its Institutional Review of 2012, resolved that [[Joburg Theatre]] (SOC) Ltd and [[Roodepoort City Theatre]] (NPC) t/a [[Pro Musica]] be integrated into a single theatre management company. The theatre management company, now known as [[Joburg City Theatres]] (JCT) renders the functions and services that, until 31 December 2012, were rendered by the 2 theatres. It also institutionalized the operation of the newly established [[Soweto Theatre]]. The effective date of the integration was 1 January 2013.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:17, 14 July 2025
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	https://www.roodepoorttheatre.com/about-us/		https://www.roodepoorttheatre.com/about-us/
		+
		+	https://joburgcitytheatres.com/overview-roodepoort-theatre/

	== For more information ==		== For more information ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:17, 14 July 2025
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	The orchestra performed and completed more than 500 symphonic concerts all over Southern Africa, and in 1992, when UNESCO lifted the 26-year old cultural boycott on South Africa, it was invited by UNESCO to tour France, with the main concert of the tour performed in the Great Hall of UNESCO in Paris, internationally televised by ITV and attended by heads of state, the corps diplomatique and many other dignitaries. The Orchestra performed in hundreds of performances of opera, oratorio and in concert all over South Africa. More recently the Pro Musica Orchestra performed at a gala event hosted by the Mayor of Johannesburg in honour of ex-president Nelson Mandela who donated his law library to the New Constitutional Court as part of the Celebration of 10 years of Democracy directly preceding another event – an Opera Gala co-produced with the Royal Norwegian National Opera in the Johannesburg City Hall to celebrate 10 years of democracy in South Africa and 100 years of independence in Norway. These events were attended by international and local judges, corps diplomatique and other important guests.		The orchestra performed and completed more than 500 symphonic concerts all over Southern Africa, and in 1992, when UNESCO lifted the 26-year old cultural boycott on South Africa, it was invited by UNESCO to tour France, with the main concert of the tour performed in the Great Hall of UNESCO in Paris, internationally televised by ITV and attended by heads of state, the corps diplomatique and many other dignitaries. The Orchestra performed in hundreds of performances of opera, oratorio and in concert all over South Africa. More recently the Pro Musica Orchestra performed at a gala event hosted by the Mayor of Johannesburg in honour of ex-president Nelson Mandela who donated his law library to the New Constitutional Court as part of the Celebration of 10 years of Democracy directly preceding another event – an Opera Gala co-produced with the Royal Norwegian National Opera in the Johannesburg City Hall to celebrate 10 years of democracy in South Africa and 100 years of independence in Norway. These events were attended by international and local judges, corps diplomatique and other important guests.
		+
		+	The [[University of Pretoria]]’s symphony orchestra and [[Pro Musica Orchestra]] combined for concerts in Pretoria and Roodepoort under the batons of Professor [[Henri Arends-d’Aranyi]] and [[Weiss Doubell]]. Larger works for orchestra and chorus were often performed with choirs from other communities including the Choir of St. Bernard the Martyr (Atteridgeville), Mohlakeng Methodist Choral Society (Randfontein), Dobsonville Chorale (Soweto), Bonisidumo Choristers (Springs), Johannesburg Bach Choir, Musica Mundo (Johannesburg), Pretoria Oratoria Chorus, Randburg Male Voice Choir. ''[[The Messiah]]'' was often performed in Mmabatho; in the Eisteddfod – tent in Roodepoort and annually at Easter time, for 17 years, on the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton.

	The Orchestra closed in 2008.		The Orchestra closed in 2008.

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 [[Pro Musica Productions]] was a performing arts production and management company operating from the [[Pro Musica Theatre]] (formerly known as the [[Roodepoort City Theatre]], and later as the [[Roodepoort Theatre]]) in Roodepoort serving Gauteng but also the surrounding provinces since 1981.
-Production activities were disbanded in 2008 when the company focussed on the receiving house aspects of [[Pro Musica]], and a more concerted effort to attract independent producers to the venue.
+Production activities were disbanded in 2008 when the company focussed on the receiving house aspects of [[Pro Musica]], and a more concerted effort to attract independent producers to the venue. Up until 2008, [[Pro Musica]] presented 400 opera performances and 500 symphony concerts.
 In 2013, the company was incorporated (along with [[Joburg Theatre]] and [[Soweto Theatre]]) into the newly established [[Joburg City Theatres]] ([[JCT]]).

@@ Line 41: / Line 41: @@
 ===The Pro Musica Opera Chorus===
-The Pro Musica Opera Chorus was founded in 1996.  Since 1996 the Chorus performed in all the operas and works with chorus produced and staged by Pro Musica Productions, with recent successes such as Verdi’s Requiem,  ''[[Un Ballo In Maschera]]'', ''[[Rigoletto]]'', Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, Faure’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Puccini’s ''[[Madama Butterfly]]'' and ''[[Tosca]]'' as well as Mozart’s ''[[Le Nozze di Figaro]]'', ''[[La Bohème]]'' by Puccini, Gounod’s St Cecilia Mass and Mozart’s Requiem.  The chorus drew its talent from the rich choral tradition in our country and uses voices which cross all racial and social lines and represent our rainbow nation.
+The Pro Musica Opera Chorus was founded in 1996.  Since 1996 the Chorus performed in all the operas and works with chorus produced and staged by Pro Musica Productions, with recent successes such as Verdi’s Requiem,  ''[[Un Ballo in Maschera]]'', ''[[Rigoletto]]'', Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, Faure’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Puccini’s ''[[Madama Butterfly]]'' and ''[[Tosca]]'' as well as Mozart’s ''[[Le Nozze di Figaro]]'', ''[[La Bohème]]'' by Puccini, Gounod’s St Cecilia Mass and Mozart’s Requiem.  The chorus drew its talent from the rich choral tradition in our country and uses voices which cross all racial and social lines and represent our rainbow nation.
 ===The Vocal Tuition Scheme===

@@ Line 49: / Line 49: @@
 ===The Instrumental Tuition Scheme===
-As part of its outreach project and equity plan Pro Musica Productions has an instrumental tuition scheme which was started in 1994 to facilitate the development of instrumental performance in disadvantaged communities.  The Pro Musica Orchestra’s principal musicians teach promising students from these communities including string and wind musicians, who do not have the means or access to proper training.  The programme currently involves promising pupils who are being equipped with the basic skills to master their instruments and some day to become tutors themselves.  This way they could turn their talents into means to earn an income in future through professional or amateur musical ensembles and thereby reducing physical but also spiritual and cultural poverty.  The interest from musicians brought about the realisation that fostering and development of this talent is of utmost importance as it helps in developing a South African character, it empowers the previously disadvantaged and it helps to create the perception of "World Culture" amongst the black population.
+As part of its outreach project and equity plan Pro Musica Productions had an instrumental tuition scheme which was started in 1994 to facilitate the development of instrumental performance in disadvantaged communities.  The Pro Musica Orchestra’s principal musicians teach promising students from these communities including string and wind musicians, who do not have the means or access to proper training.  In 2007, the programme involved promising pupils who are being equipped with the basic skills to master their instruments and some day to become tutors themselves.  This way they could turn their talents into means to earn an income in future through professional or amateur musical ensembles and thereby reducing physical but also spiritual and cultural poverty.  The interest from musicians brought about the realisation that fostering and development of this talent is of utmost importance as it helps in developing a South African character, it empowers the previously disadvantaged and it helps to create the perception of "World Culture" amongst the black population.
 == Sources ==

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 Pro Musica Productions was managed by [[Weiss Doubell]], erstwhile acting CEO, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor.
-Pro Musica Productions houses:
+Pro Musica Productions included:
 * the [[Pro Musica Opera Company]]
 * the Pro Musica Orchestra
@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 The main focus areas for this company can be divided into three sectors: opera and lyric arts; instrumental and orchestral music; and community development.
-The Pro Musica Productions Company has long involved itself in outreach projects.  Known as the centre where potential singers and instrumentalists could launch their professional careers, it has been investing in the talents of all South Africans since its opening in 1981.  The company has long established relationships with the Johannesburg Bach Choir, Mohlakeng Methodist Church Choir in Randfontein, St Bernard the Martyr in Atteridgeville, Johannesburg Philharmonic Choir and Pretoria Oratorio Chorus.  Recent new associations have been with the Dobsonville Brass Band, Dobsonville Chorale, the Musica Mundo Choir, the Dobsonville Arts Association and the brilliant Soweto based chorus Imilonji KaNtu.
+The Pro Musica Productions Company also involved itself in outreach projects.  Known as the centre where potential singers and instrumentalists could launch their professional careers, it invested in the talents of all South Africans since its opening in 1981.  The company established relationships with the Johannesburg Bach Choir, Mohlakeng Methodist Church Choir in Randfontein, St Bernard the Martyr in Atteridgeville, Johannesburg Philharmonic Choir and Pretoria Oratorio Chorus.  Other associations were with the Dobsonville Brass Band, Dobsonville Chorale, the Musica Mundo Choir, the Dobsonville Arts Association and the brilliant Soweto based chorus Imilonji KaNtu.
 The City of Johannesburg, as part of its Institutional Review of 2012, resolved that [[Joburg Theatre]]  (SOC) Ltd and [[Roodepoort City Theatre]] (NPC) t/a [[Pro Musica]] be integrated into a single theatre management company. The theatre management company, now known as [[Joburg City Theatres]]  (JCT) renders the functions and services that, until 31 December 2012, were rendered by the 2 theatres. It also institutionalized the operation of the newly established [[Soweto Theatre]]. The  effective date of the integration was 1 January 2013.
@@ Line 41: / Line 41: @@
 ===The Pro Musica Opera Chorus===
-The Pro Musica Opera Chorus was founded in 1996.  Since 1996 the Chorus has performed in all the operas and works with chorus produced and staged by Pro Musica Productions, with recent successes such as Verdi’s Requiem,  Un Ballo In Maschera, Rigoletto, Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, Faure’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Tosca as well as Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, La Bohème by Puccini, Gounod’s St Cecilia Mass and Mozart’s Requiem.  The chorus draws its talent from the rich choral tradition in our country and uses voices which cross all racial and social lines and represent our rainbow nation.
+The Pro Musica Opera Chorus was founded in 1996.  Since 1996 the Chorus performed in all the operas and works with chorus produced and staged by Pro Musica Productions, with recent successes such as Verdi’s Requiem,  ''[[Un Ballo In Maschera]]'', ''[[Rigoletto]]'', Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, Faure’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Puccini’s ''[[Madama Butterfly]]'' and ''[[Tosca]]'' as well as Mozart’s ''[[Le Nozze di Figaro]]'', ''[[La Bohème]]'' by Puccini, Gounod’s St Cecilia Mass and Mozart’s Requiem.  The chorus drew its talent from the rich choral tradition in our country and uses voices which cross all racial and social lines and represent our rainbow nation.
 ===The Vocal Tuition Scheme===

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[Pro Musica Productions]] (formerly the [[Roodepoort City Opera Company]])
-[[Pro Musica Productions]] was a performing arts production and management company operating from the [[Pro Musica Theatre]] (formerly known as the [[Roodepoort City Theatre]]) in Roodepoort serving Gauteng but also the surrounding provinces since 1981.
+[[Pro Musica Productions]] was a performing arts production and management company operating from the [[Pro Musica Theatre]] (formerly known as the [[Roodepoort City Theatre]], and later as the [[Roodepoort Theatre]]) in Roodepoort serving Gauteng but also the surrounding provinces since 1981.
 Production activities were disbanded in 2008 when the company focussed on the receiving house aspects of [[Pro Musica]], and a more concerted effort to attract independent producers to the venue.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[Pro Musica Productions]] (formerly the [[Roodepoort City Opera Company]])
-[[Pro Musica Productions]] is a performing arts production company operating from the [[Pro Musica Theatre]] (formerly known as the [[Roodepoort City Theatre]]) in Roodepoort serving Gauteng but also the surrounding provinces since 1981.
+[[Pro Musica Productions]] was a performing arts production and management company operating from the [[Pro Musica Theatre]] (formerly known as the [[Roodepoort City Theatre]]) in Roodepoort serving Gauteng but also the surrounding provinces since 1981.
 ==History and structure==
@@ Line 50: / Line 54: @@
 Pro Musica Productions, 2007.
 == For more information ==