One of the exciting programmes of St. Matthews’ Mercy School in Soweto is the Thabang Ka Mmino Music Project. On the 4th February, 2015, St. Matthews was paid a visit by Sir James Galway and his wife. Sr. Berchmans Dowling shares the story of this visit.

We were honoured recently with a visit from Sir James and Lady Galway. They were on tour in South Africa to participate in a Mozart Festival which is an annual event in Johannesburg. They requested the visit to listen to the children who play the flute. The couple were so gracious, friendly and unassuming that they won their way into all hearts. Lady Galway is American, but boasted that she had an Irish grandmother.

  

The students gave a short performance. The orchestra played “Lord of the Dance” which was followed by a traditional piece together with drums and percussion. Then Gugu Ndlovu and Banele Vundla, both blessed with beautiful operatic voices, sang “Time to say Goodbye” accompanied by the orchestra. After the performance, Sir James turned to the students and said: “I am impressed.”

The Galways then performed for us. Needless to say, their music was much appreciated, but what really fascinated the children was when Sir James played a sophisticated version of the tin whistle. It wasn’t more than eight inches long, but the music that emanated from it was just magical.

Sir James then called for the children who took flute lessons and played on one of the flutes. Little did he know that each child would ask him to play on theirs. He obliged and played on each flute while the children proudly looked on. Personally, I think he was just testing the quality of the flutes, but the children felt their flutes had been blessed. The Galways then mingled with the members of the audience as the cameras flashed.

This was one day the budding musicians will never forget.’

Berchmans Dowling rsm
South African Province