The Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Plays Regina Mundi Church

by Daluxolo Moloantoa · Published June 13, 2023 · Updated June 15, 2023

Named “Best Classical Music Ensemble” by Boston Magazine in 2019, the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (BPYO) is coming to South Africa this June. The acclaimed classical music orchestra will be staging musical performances in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and in Makhanda during the tour between June 17-25.

Now in its eleventh season, the tuition-free orchestra has garnered critical acclaim for its superb and memorable performances in Boston, at Carnegie Hall, and on seven international tours. The 106 members of the BPYO range in age from 12 to 21 and are chosen through a highly-selective audition process.

The group will kick off its maiden South African tour with a performance at the Regina Mundi Church in Soweto on June 17. The Southern Cross features writer Daluxolo Moloantoa had a Question & Answer session with four Catholic members of the ensemble on their expectations for their first musical tour to South Africa and the significance of performing at the historic Regina Mundi Church. This is the second of a four-part series:

Daluxolo interviews Rosie Conway:

Q: Which parish do you attend church in your city?

A: I attend church at both St Joseph Church in Wakefield, Massachusetts and St Stephen Church in Lynn, Massachusetts.

Q: What are you looking forward to on the BPYO tour of South Africa this June?

A: I am excited to experience the rich diversity, history, and culture of South Africa. I am also excited to visit the urban and rural areas. To experience the natural landscape and traditions, and to participate in cultural exchanges with many groups in South Africa. I am looking forward to our musicians performing in the many magnificent settings.

Q: What does it mean to you to be able to perform at a highly significant Catholic church, the Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto?

A: As a public health social worker serving vulnerable and marginalised community members, I am grateful to have the opportunity to visit the Regina Mundi Catholic Church, “The People’s Church.” To visit such a pillar of faith, safety, and activism is an honour I am privileged to have. I am greatly looking forward to celebrating the activism of the parishioners and community members who are champions of resilience and tenacity in response to the human rights violations during apartheid.

Having each of our senses immersed in the Regina Mundi Church space and community will have a lasting impact on each of us.

Read interviews with Thomas Juhasz, Rosie Conway, Harold Rivas and Christopher Broyles