Orchester Symphonique Kimbanguiste
The Orchester Symphonique Kimbanguiste ( OSK ) is a Kinshasa- based symphony orchestra, the only one of its kind in Central Africa .
history
The orchestra was founded in 1994 by Armand Diangienda , grandson of Simon Kimbangu , the founder of the independent Christian Kimbanguist Church . The former pilot and musical autodidact began to expand the orchestra under the most difficult conditions with only twelve musicians. Sometimes they had to build their own instruments. Over the years, however, the orchestra grew to around 200 participants. In line with the pacifist and cosmopolitan orientation of the religious community, it tries to promote understanding and acceptance of European art music among the indigenous population. A German documentary by Martin Baer and Claus Wischmann with the title Kinshasa Symphony aroused international interest in this unusual cultural initiative in 2010.
Individual evidence
- ^ Elke Schmitter: Central Africa's Only Orchestra: Playing Beethoven in Kinshasa. In: Spiegel Online . September 24, 2010, accessed January 7, 2013 .
- ↑ Own information: “Il n'a jamais été dans une école de musique” , artist's Facebook page, accessed May 25, 2015