Kenneth Kiesler - Renowned Conductor Making His African Debut
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In a captivating interview with Lindi Tshabangu on "Just Gospel" radio, Grammy-nominated conductor Kenneth Kiesler discusses his remarkable career and upcoming South African tour with the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra.
Kiesler, who began conducting at just 15 years old, shares his European heritage (Austrian and French descent) and reveals a surprising family connection to Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr. Originally considering a career as a United Nations translator due to his aptitude for languages, Kiesler instead found his calling in music, where he now "translates" the language of composers.
Despite conducting around the world for decades, this marks Kiesler's first tour to Africa. He notes that he previously declined invitations during apartheid. The upcoming performances will feature three extraordinary soloists: Grammy winner Karen Slack, University of Michigan alumna Khwezikazi Mangaliso, and bass-baritone Daniel Washington.
The centerpiece of their program is William Dawson's "Negro Folk Symphony," which had never been performed on the African continent until recently. Kiesler explains that all selections were chosen to celebrate resilience and cultural connections between South Africa and America.
The tour runs May 21-28, 2025, with performances in Pretoria (Aula at University of Pretoria), Soweto (Regina Mundi Catholic Church), Johannesburg (Linda Auditorium at Wits University), and Cape Town (Hugo Lambrecht Music Center and Cape Town City Hall).
When discussing the art of conducting, Kiesler offers fascinating insights into the collaborative nature of modern orchestral leadership, describing it as a physical language that communicates not just technical instructions but emotional experiences of the music.
Kiesler, who began conducting at just 15 years old, shares his European heritage (Austrian and French descent) and reveals a surprising family connection to Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr. Originally considering a career as a United Nations translator due to his aptitude for languages, Kiesler instead found his calling in music, where he now "translates" the language of composers.
Despite conducting around the world for decades, this marks Kiesler's first tour to Africa. He notes that he previously declined invitations during apartheid. The upcoming performances will feature three extraordinary soloists: Grammy winner Karen Slack, University of Michigan alumna Khwezikazi Mangaliso, and bass-baritone Daniel Washington.
The centerpiece of their program is William Dawson's "Negro Folk Symphony," which had never been performed on the African continent until recently. Kiesler explains that all selections were chosen to celebrate resilience and cultural connections between South Africa and America.
The tour runs May 21-28, 2025, with performances in Pretoria (Aula at University of Pretoria), Soweto (Regina Mundi Catholic Church), Johannesburg (Linda Auditorium at Wits University), and Cape Town (Hugo Lambrecht Music Center and Cape Town City Hall).
When discussing the art of conducting, Kiesler offers fascinating insights into the collaborative nature of modern orchestral leadership, describing it as a physical language that communicates not just technical instructions but emotional experiences of the music.
