South African conductor Richard Cock is talking about the great talent in classical musicians this country has to offer and the many wonderful projects done by musicians and also schools to give children the opportunity to play and also be exposed to classical music. Unfortunately the situation in South Africa is such that classical music it is not seen as a high priority by the government. Western music is not very popular amongst government officials and for this reason he can't see that the situation will be changing. It is very difficult to run an orchestra in South Africa but Richard has his own freelance orchestras, The Johannesburg Festival orchestra and and the Phoenix orchestra which are dependent on private funding. There are many orchestra players in South Africa, but they all work on a freelance basis. Richard is very positive for the future of classical music in South Africa and he is proud of the many talented singers that are now singing at some of the great opera houses in Europe.

See also my interviews with South African singers :

Sunnyboy Dladla https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALXAOtJIw54&ab_channel=PetraSittig

Syabonga Maqungo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ6iq2xGqOc&ab_channel=PetraSittig

Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBAnWA6nXZY&ab_channel=PetraSittig

Monica Mhangwana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MAkK6HvyWQ&ab_channel=PetraSittig

Thomas Erlank https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACa_noMmDpE&ab_channel=PetraSittig

Thomas Erlank in Lockdown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9L8vn9ZXGI&ab_channel=PetraSittig

Composers:

Franco Prinsloo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bppaJ6oS4uk&ab_channel=PetraSittig

Hendrik Hofmeyr https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARgwYxTlEWE&ab_channel=PetraSittig

https://www.richardcock.co.za/