The programme of classical, pop, adult contemporary and jazz genres will be a joyous celebration, honouring unsung heroes and saluting individuals and organisations that have contributed to the fight against HIV/AIDS. The concert also provides a platform for committed artists to perform in a professional environment in support of the cause.
Since 2005, the Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University has hosted the event. Professor Jan du Toit, director of the centre, mentioned the successes the centre's academic programme has made through education, prevention and research. "It is imperative to recognise the critical role that the vulnerable and marginalised population play in the epidemic. We need to invest in models of service delivery that reach these and all population groups, and ensure equitable and quality services that are able to provide sustainable support to the most affected communities," he said.
In 2004 while performing in Germany as Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar, American-born Jimmie Earl Perry was reintroduced to Professor du Toit, who enlightened him on the Africa Centre's academic programme and the shocking facts of the pandemic in South Africa. He also shared his vision as to how the arts could make a great impact on the Africa Centre's community mobilisation programme. The result was Perry leaving his showbiz world the same year to take up the position of visiting Professor and director of educational theatre and creative arts at the centre. Now proudly a South African citizen, this multi-talented artist, who boasts Andrew Lloyd Webber as a former employer (10 years) and an international career as a singer/actor/dancer, is living his dream in service of others, opening minds through the arts in order to understand and accept HIV/AIDS as a reality.
Tickets cost R75 and R120 and are available from Artscape Dial-a-Seat on +27 (0)21 421 7695. Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers outlets and at www.computicket.com.
