As we neared the end of Edward Kreitman’s remarkable directorship at WSSTE, we felt an exhilarating sense of purpose: we had to create the tour of a lifetime for the Chicago Consort. This was to be his farewell tour, a celebration of his legacy, and we were bursting with excitement to embark on this adventure with him as the new directors of the school. We decided to think big—our destination: the enchanting landscapes of South Africa.
At O’Hare Airport, the energy was palpable. Students buzzed with anticipation, their laughter and chatter blending with the excited conversations of parents, all eager to soak up the adventure ahead. Armed with 20 violins and a djembe, we embarked on our 24-hour journey to South Africa, ready for the amazing experiences that awaited us.
The moment we landed in Johannesburg, our adventure began with an immersive song workshop led by an African conductor. He introduced us to a beloved traditional song in Afrikaans, complete with a lively dance. The workshop became a joyous celebration, with everyone participating, including grandparents and siblings who had joined us for this extraordinary experience. We split into four-part harmony, and our talented Suzuki violinists quickly grasped the song and its harmonies, decorating the moment with music and creating a treasured experience. The harmonies resonated richly, the rhythms invigorated our spirits, and the movements set our hearts dancing. Children’s faces beamed with joy, their iPhones recording every second as the music wove a spell around us. As we departed, laughter and song spilled from the children, their giggles dancing through the air as they recreated the dance movements with pure delight, clutching their song booklets—a cherished keepsake to reminisce on later. While we traveled to South Africa to share our music, we were deeply grateful to receive the soulful sound of South African music in return. And it was only Day 1; the inspiration was just beginning.
Meanwhile, Edward Kreitman captivated an audience of Suzuki teachers and parents from across Africa with his insights and experience. He spoke about teaching priorities, and the importance of review for the development of skills. Their enthusiasm ignited our own excitement for the concert that awaited us that evening.
That night, we joined forces with the Suzuki Association of South Africa for a spectacular concert in the Linder Auditorium alongside renowned teacher trainers Lee Marais, Carol Solomon, and Sonika Mentor. The evening opened with a heartfelt Suzuki Playdown performed by South African children, reminiscent of our own Group Class Concerts at WSSTE. The Chicago Consort took the stage for the second half, captivating the audience with our tone, expressiveness, and carefully curated program. The energy surged with each piece; applause grew louder and more fervent, smiles widened, and phones were out capturing moments of sheer joy. The finale—an exhilarating joint performance of "Twinkle" with South African Suzuki players—was met with heartfelt gratitude from the audience. We walked off the stage elated, having shared warmth and camaraderie across continents.
Later, we indulged in a culinary adventure at a renowned local restaurant called Carnivore—The Brazilian Steakhouse of South Africa! The menu was a wild feast, featuring giraffe, zebra, venison, chicken liver, kudu, and more! Just when we thought the night couldn’t get any more exciting, we were unexpectedly invited to participate in a spontaneous musical jam session. Right there in the restaurant! The kids eagerly picked up their violins while South African waiters joined in on drums, creating an unforgettable moment that would become a core memory for all. Laughter and joy filled the air as we played, and the whole restaurant erupted with applause, joining us in the magic that unfolded. “This is what it’s all about…” Ed remarked, imparting his lifetime of wisdom. We as the new incoming directors felt it profoundly, the parents witnessed it, and the kids reveled in the euphoria. As we left Carnivore that night, the vibrant energy translated into smiles and chatter echoing through the night, with exclamations of “We are really in South Africa!” The tour’s magic had left us starry-eyed as we returned to our hotel under the shimmering night sky. To top it off, we spotted the Scorpio constellation—an awe-inspiring first for many of us.
Day 2 was dedicated to exploration. Our first stop was the poignant Apartheid Museum, where we each received randomized tickets assigning our race for the day—black or white. This immersive experience taught us about apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s indelible influence on South Africa as we navigated the museum’s powerful exhibits. Later, we embarked on a guided walking tour through Soweto, feeling the pulse of its vibrant culture as local natives shared stories of resilience and hope. We visited the homes of Nelson Mande