Kenya: Safaricom Youth Orchestra celebrates 10th anniversary

As the orchestra marked its first decade of existence, 27 talented young people were awarded certificates for honing their musical skills.

“Each of the graduates has been committed to their craft through years of dedication since they joined the orchestra after they were selected through an arduous audition process,” Safaricom said.

Over the past 10 years, the orchestra has trained 215 students, nurturing their musical talents and providing them with opportunities. The programme has achieved numerous milestones, including performances at state events and jazz festivals alongside local and international artists.

“We are proud of the Safaricom Youth Orchestra and the incredible journey it has undertaken over the past decade,” Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said. “As we celebrate this remarkable 10th anniversary and honour the graduates of this year, Safaricom reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting the orchestra’s mission of nurturing young musical talent. The graduates represent the epitome of dedication, passion and resilience, and as they embark on their next chapters, we encourage them to keep shining brightly, knowing that Safaricom stands beside them, ready to provide continued support and encouragement.”

The graduation ceremony marks the beginning of a series of activities planned to celebrate the orchestra’s 10-year birthday throughout 2024. From captivating performances to inspiring stories of success, the coming months will be filled with opportunities to reflect on the orchestra’s remarkable journey and its impact on music in Kenya.

Safaricom Youth Orchestra was founded in 2014 as a partnership between the Kenyan telco and the Art of Music Foundation to provide talented young musicians with opportunities for musical education, mentorship and performance experiences. The orchestra is committed to nurturing the next generation of musical talent in Kenya, promoting cultural exchange through music and empowering young musicians to achieve their full potential. The graduating members are seen as ambassadors of excellence and role models for aspiring musicians across the country.

“As we commemorate our tenth anniversary, we reflect on the remarkable journey of growth and achievement that has defined the Safaricom Youth Orchestra,” Art of Music Foundation founder Elizabeth Njoroge said. “Our commitment to nurturing the next generation of musical talent remains unwavering, and we are immensely proud of the impact we have made in shaping the lives of young musicians across the country. The Safaricom Youth Orchestra extends its congratulations to the graduating members and expresses gratitude to its partners, supporters, instructors and mentors for their unwavering commitment to music education.”

Applications to join the orchestra will close on 6 April for the class starting in May. Successful candidates will be shortlisted and called for physical auditions on 20 April.

For more information, visit the official website.