Saturday 9 May 11:30
Dutch Reformed Church Greyton
R150
The pride of the Valley of Grace, the Genadendal Brass Band, presents a programme rooted in tradition, devotion, and enduring musical craftsmanship. They are joined by rising star in brass performance, tubist Likhona Tokota, who will perform the iconic Fnugg Blue by composer Øystein Baadsvik.
The Brass Band’s origins reach back to 1838, when the first seminary was established in Genadendal to educate ministers and teachers, and where the study of brass instruments formed part of the curriculum. The band gave its first public performance in 1856, marking the beginning of a distinguished musical legacy that has resonated across generations. Over time, the sound of brass became inseparable from the cultural identity of Genadendal and the brass band stands as a living custodian of this heritage. It continues to honour its historical roots while presenting brass music as a vital and expressive art form. The performance of Musical Tapestry offers audiences a rare encounter with a tradition that bridges history and the present, enriching the classical music landscape of the Overberg and beyond.
LIKHONA TOKOTA
Likhona Tokota, hailing from Gugulethu, began his musical journey at the age of 7, initially studying cornet under Paul Chandler at the Beau Soleil Music Centre. He later transitioned to the tuba, where he was mentored by renowned tubist and pedagogue, Shaun Moir. In 2018, Likhona joined the Certificate Programme in Music at Stellenbosch University’s Music Department, during this year he also attained an Associate performance certificate ATCL through Trinity Guildhall, London. In 2019, he advanced to the Diploma in Music Performance and then to Advanced Diploma. He graduated with an Honours in Music Performance (cum laude) in 2024, studying under the guidance of esteemed brass pedagogues, Mr. Sean Kierman and Mrs. Pamela Kierman. Likhona is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Music Performance.
During his undergraduate years, Likhona expanded his musical horizons by studying bass trombone with the South African trombonist, Nick Green. In 2022, he was awarded the prestigious Mabel Quick Instrumental Award for his exceptional tuba performance.
An active performer, Likhona was a valued member of various ensembles, including the Stellenbosch University Wind Band, Brass Ensemble, and Symphonic Orchestra. He has also played with the Windworx Symphonic Wind Ensemble and was a bass trombonist in the Stellenbosch University Jazz Band. As an Ad Hoc tubist, Likhona performs with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, regularly with the Free State Symphony Orchestra, and KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2023, he was featured as a soloist with the University of Stellenbosch Symphonic Orchestra (USSO), conducted by Maestro Corbin Matei and with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra (JSO) under Maestro Eddie Clayton. He played the well known Concerto for Tuba and String by Arild Plau. In 2024, he featured as the soloist with JSO, playing the Concerto for Bass Tuba by Ralph-Vaughan Williams.
In 2018, he had the opportunity to tour Germany and Belgium with the Musica Perpetua Wind Band, performing with the string orchestra, Falta di Tiempo, led by former Belgian Guards tubist and composer, Felix Ceunen. Likhona receives regular masterclasses from Felix Ceunen. To advanced his musical knowledge and artistry, Likhona has received materclasses from numerous musicians, namely: Manfred Häberlein (Harmonic Brass München-tuba), Phil Golson (Tubist), Albert Savino Khattar (Yamaha Artist- Tuba), Weston Sprott (Metropolitan Opera -Trombone), Susana Santos Silva (Free Improvisation – Trumpet), David Cribb (Gewandhaus Orchester Leipzig – Tuba), Steve Rossé (Sydney Symphony Orchestra – Tuba), Paul Luxenberg (Hong Kong Philharmonic – Tuba), Steve Campbell (Minnesota), Symphony Orchestra – Tuba), and Jarrett McCourt (Ann Arbor Symphony – Tuba) to name a few.
Passionate about pushing the boundaries of tuba playing, Likhona is committed to continuously developing his technique and exploring the full potential of the instrument.
