As we turned the corner to the church in which we would have our evening performance we were greeted by many of the smiling and waving faces from the Hout Bay Music Project. They all seemed very excited to meet us and the feeling was mutual.

After taking all of our things off the bus we joined the Hout Bay musicians for lunch and straight away both orchestras were talking and getting to know each other. Not long after we finished eating we all took to a near by field for some fun and games. There was Frisbee, Rugby, Football and Scottish dancing. The Hout Bay musicians even taught some of the girls some of their songs and dances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone was smiling as this cultural exchange took place; it was quite a sight to see. After a few group photos we headed back into the hall to play some music.

The rehearsal was in the form of a workshop, after playing the South African National Anthem together we split up into our different sections and learned some African tunes by ear. Then we all came back together to hear the complete arrangement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before dinner the orchestra had a small gesture to offer the Hout Bay Music Project. Over the last few months before departing for our tour, one of our senior players Ciaran McHugh spent time raising money and buying items to put into gift packs for our orchestra to present to the Hout Bay Music Project. They were very well received and it was wonderful to see them all in our tour t-shirts and using their new water bottles.

They also showed a token of their gratitude by presenting us with bracelets and sweets, which went over very well with AFO.

Dinner was once again spent conversing with the Hout Bay players before we all got dressed for the concert. We began with our joint numbers before AFO took over to amaze our audience with our Scottish numbers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think this might be an AFO first but during one of our numbers the lights went out, but we continued on, even if we couldn’t see our music. We managed to play through all of Irish Session Tunes in the dark. I don’t think any of use will forget that for a while!

It was an unforgettable concert, the Hout Bay Music Project half on the concert was truly jaw dropping; the talent that these young people possess is astonishing. They played many different types of music some of which we recognised, such as Hallelujah and All I Ask of You form Phantom of the Opera. Both of which moved some people to tears.

Following the concert we had a ceilidh, and it was fantastic to see everyone – and I mean everyone – up and dancing. The hall was packed and we all enjoyed teaching the dances to those who didn’t know.

It was a sweaty night that of course ended in Auld Lang Syne in the traditional AFO style, we were all very sad to leave our new friends behind and we all hope to see them again one day.

 

-Hannah