Heritage weekend at the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP) promises to be something special, marking both Heritage Day and three years since the doors to Javett-UP first opened. On 23 September at 19:00, pianist, composer and UP alumnus Keenan Meyer, kicks off the celebrations with a unique one-night-only heritage experience inside the Javett-UP’s Yakhal’Inkomo: The Bongi Dhlomo Collection Exhibition.
“Javett-UP first opened its doors in 2019 with such enthusiasm and optimism, and continues to carry the founding energies that embodies its character as it marks three years. Together with its connection to the diverse communities of practice and contact zones, emerged from the Covid-19 lockdown more inspired and committed to contributing to the growth of the art, cultural heritage sector. With its unique proximity to the University of Pretoria, Javett-UP continues to aspire to innovation and solution-driven curatorial programming that will impact our collective human conditions from within our immediate geography reaching across our region” says Javett-up CEO Lekgetho Makola.
A classically trained performer with a unique jazz sound, Meyer graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Bachelor of Music Degree, majoring in music psychology and piano methodology in 2018. Meyer was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and has had a lifelong relationship with music. He launched his debut album The Alchemy of Living last year to critical acclaim.
The Alchemy of Living is described as an album that pays homage to SA’s musical heritage and the icons that he studied, but it also follows a journey of self-discovery and introspective meditation on the diverse paths he has walked in his musical journey and the actualisation of his own identity.
Meyer’s deep awareness and understanding of Impressionist composers such as Ravel and Debussy, combined with the Romantic style in Rachmaninoff and others, is enriched by his knowledge of South African music. Although Meyer describes the jazz elements in The Alchemy of Living as fresh and fun, he is also aware of the role it plays in connecting audiences to South Africa’s heritage.
“Music is doing the work of the spirit, it allows us to remember ourselves. That when we engage South African music, jazz specifically, there is a moment of remembering self, remembering where we come from and reimagining ourselves going forward,” says Meyer.
To hear Meyer play is to be drawn into South Africa’s rich musical soundscape; it speaks of home, touches memory and fills the soul. Against the backdrop of Javett-UP’s current exhibitions, it will remind the audience of the importance of history and connections.
Join us on 23 September at 19:00 to experience Keenan Meyer live in concert.
Tickets are limited and can be purchased on Plankton.co.za for R320.
For more information, contact Ilse@javettup.com
About The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP).
The Javett-UP is a space that enhances unique and exceptional transdisciplinary learning through the arts. We engage diverse publics in exploring the human condition and reimagining our futures.
The Javett-UP is a partnership between the University of Pretoria and the Javett Foundation. Both share a firm belief in the value of the arts for society in general and education. It’s a project that is collegiate as it is philanthropic. With one foot firmly rooted in academia, and the other embedded in the public, Javett-UP aims to make the art of Africa accessible, relevant and engaging.
Researching African art practices lies at the very heart of the work of the Javett-UP. We aim to set new benchmarks in art curation, conservation and education. The fact that the Javett-UP is part of the University of Pretoria’s research, teaching and learning resource means that this is a place not only for enjoying art but for learning about it, too. At the Javett-UP, learning and enjoying are two sides of the same coin. Both are valued, and both are encouraged.
For more information go to www.javettup.art
Should you wish to book in advance, don’t hesitate to contact bookings@javettup.com
Click here to purchase your online tickets to come to Javett-UP.
Standard Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm | Tuesday to Sunday with the last admission at 4 pm