We loved watching Kinshasa Symphony this week (from Amazon). It documents the efforts of a group of dedicated amateur musicians in the Congo as they put together a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, on a shoestring.
Combining so many of our family interests--classical music, West African culture, and thrifty creativity, how could we not love it?
I saw a little bit of it on 60 Minutes recently, and was amazed.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe will be watching this because we have five orchestra musicians, like thrifty, and love missions.
Blessings for your weekend.
I love Beethoven, esp. his symphonies - I'll have to watch it, too!
ReplyDeleteLisateresa
I saw that on 60 Minutes as well. I wept through most of clips of them performing. It was truly beautiful to watch them perform with such love for the music.
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine what Beethoven would think if he could see and hear this? How wow is that?
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story! Thanks so much for this post. I looked them up and it was wonderful to behold this orchestra and chorus on 60 Minutes. I will be getting the DVD. I hope the 21st century is a great century for Africa.
ReplyDeleteAnna, this is amazing stuff. Really amazing. I am tempted to ask you if this is what the Composer and Bella were involved in on their trip to Africa but no, I won't. I've trawled through most of the online stuff over (our) weekend. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteDid you watch it on Amazon Prime of purchase it? Can you please tell us how you do television in your family?
ReplyDeleteFarrah
fG--we bought the disc. I think the Composer originally saw the film at Sundance (?) and knew we'd love it.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have television. We do have a very nice screen for watching movies though! It's always a treat when we have something we can all enjoyl
fGs -- as far as I can tell, the only way to see Kinshasa Symphony in the US is to purchase it (Amazon). Festival screening dates are trailing off, as it has been making the rounds for a couple of years now.
ReplyDeleteOther territories (i.e. GB or Australia) may have better access. Netflix doesn't have it.
Rose -- I would love to be able to claim association with this beautiful production, but I was not involved. It was principally a team from German television.
I missed the 60 Minutes spot....heard that it was a very moving piece. My sister said it was really amazing.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
My husband and I are crazy about documentaries, and I think we would love this one as well. It is right up our alley! Thank you for the recommendation--I'm going to put it on my husband's birthday list. :)
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