Unisa online - Viva Musica - a bird's eye view of music at Unisa

“Music was never invented because the birds sing, water drips, leaves rustle and the wind sighs.” This was one of the poignant sentiments shared by Prof Kobie Kleynhans, vice-principal: Finance and University Estates and chair: Unisa Music Foundation, as she opened the launch of Viva Musica, a music coffee table book and CD on 9 September 2011.

Left to right: Mr Frankie Mojapelo (acting director: Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations Directorate), Prof Kleynhans, Prof Makhanya, Ms Lawrence and Mr John Roos (director: Unisa Music Foundation)

Edited by Pat Lawrence, Viva Musica showcases music at Unisa with 251 pages highlighting musicians and teachers who have passed through Unisa’s portals. The accompanying CD features 18 tracks of concert performances and provides a special listening experience for music lovers.

Published by Unisa Press, the book is the brainchild of the Unisa Foundation and the Unisa Music Foundation and celebrates the musical talents in South Africa and beyond as well as Unisa’s role in nurturing and promoting these talents. Viva Musica also expresses Unisa’s ongoing commitment to excellence and the remarkable contribution it has made over many decades to the development of music, not only in South Africa but also globally.

Ms Lawrence said she was “so proud” of the book because it was a celebration of what started as a small idea and grew into something that celebrates and acknowledges Unisa’s unique ability to create opportunities for so many people – young and old and from all walks of life.

“This book is a wonderful story of success,” “Unisa graduates can be found in the opera houses and concert halls of the world and that is due to the dedicated staff,” “It is a tribute to excellence,” and  “It is an absolute labour of love for all those who worked on it,” were some of the soundbytes from Lawrence.

Despite contending with cultural boycotts and cutting across borders, celebrating exceptional talent in South Africa while placing musicians in the international spotlight is part of the university’s commitment in never shying away from change.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mandla Makhanya, said it was a great pleasure to launch the book as it was an exceptional publication that highlights the magic of music at Unisa. He said the Music Foundation was very close to the heart of the university and he was grateful to all Unisa music specialists who have given – and continue to give – their time to make Unisa an outstanding leader in music. “Through Viva Musica, you will get a glimpse into a story that has no boundaries,” said Makhanya.

Viva Music, A bird’s eye view of music at Unisa is available for R390 from Unisa Press. Orders: Tel 012 429 3448 / Fax 012 4293449. Only prepaid orders can be processed. In line with Unisa’s commitment to community service, the proceeds of the sales will go towards a bursary fund for deserving music students at Unisa.