An experience of a lifetime

What does it feel like to step into the spotlight, surrounded by a full orchestra, with hundreds watching?For the young performers of the 2025 YONA Gala Concerts, the experience was unforgettable, a rush of nerves, excitement, and pride.Held at the National Theatre of Namibia earlier this month, the event brought together youth aged 8 to 28 for a once-in-a-lifetime performance. But beyond the polished music and poised stage presence was a deeper story, one of growth, courage, and connection.Here's what they experienced.“It was one of the biggest orchestral shows ever and I can safely say it exceeded my expectations tenfold,” said14-year-old violinist Edlin Hochobeb, capturing the thrill of the 2025 YONA Gala Concerts held on 20 and 21 June at the National Theatre of Namibia. Under the overall direction of Gretel Coetzee, director of the YONA Festival, and the expert musical guidance of conductors Christian Ludwig and Eslon Hindundu, over 60 young musicians aged 8 to 28 came together to perform full orchestral works in what was the grand finale of the National Youth Orchestra Festival.This year’s highlight was the world premiere of “Otjihambare”, a Namibian fairytale composed by Eslon Hindundu.Beyond the music, Coetzee witnessed an incredible transformation: “It was touching to see how children’s confidence and self-esteem improved, and how they developed new friendships across boundaries. Watching them move with the music, feel the groove, and have fun was truly inspiring.”She is optimistic about the future, seeing this as just the beginning. “We are laying the foundations for a Namibian youth orchestra that can tour the world. Our youth has huge potential. The German faculty who worked with them were impressed with their eagerness and ability to learn.”Behind the polished performances and poised expressions, a complex mix of emotions ran through these young artists’ minds. “Honestly, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement,” said 14-year-old saxophonist Zenith Amani Paulino. “My heart was racing, but once we started playing, I focused on the music and enjoyed the moment. It felt powerful; like everything we worked for came together on that stage.” For others, like 13-year-old flutist Amanda Deselaers, the experience was both a challenge and a triumph. “I was a bit nervous about playing everything correctly, but at the same time I felt really excited to be part of this event,” she said. “This was definitely my biggest performance yet. And yes, it absolutely lived up to my expectations.”The youngest among the musicians, 8-year-old choir singer Zinhle Zulu, vividly recalls the thrill of performing on such a prestigious stage for the first time. “My heart was beating fast and I felt a little nervous, but the excitement was so much bigger than the nerves,” she said. “I loved being Baby Warthog!” The joy and wonder of performing at the National Theatre was something she will likely remember for years to come.Buhle Zulu, 17, a choir singer, described the experience as her most significant performance yet. “Yes, this was definitely my biggest performance so far,” she said. “I had been looking forward to it for weeks, and it lived up to everything I hoped for. The energy from the crowd was amazing, and I felt like I really connected with everyone through the music.”The opportunity to showcase personal growth was important for many of the performers.Clarinetist Gift Nyamasombwa, 15, viewed the event as a chance to demonstrate how far she had come musically. “I was excited because this was a big opportunity for me, and this was a way for me to show the people how I developed into a better clarinetist,” she explains. “This was one of my biggest performances because we had a whole choir involved. It was everything I expected it to be.”For many of the performers, the Gala wasn’t just a concert; it was a personal milestone and a glimpse of what’s possible.As Coetzee noted, the spotlight didn’t only shine on the musicians, but on the music itself. “Namibian composers like Eslon Hindundu have very beautiful and unique musical ideas which should be shared with the world.”The applause wasn’t just for their music, but for everything it took to get there. The confidence, creativity, and potential that echoed far beyond the stage.

An experience of a lifetime

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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An experience of a lifetime

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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