The recent inauguration of the Grey High School Music and Arts Centre and Bergman Auditorium was described by Christian Erasmus, Rector of Grey High School, as “a landmark occasion in the life of our school.”
That the Grey School and Grey community continue to grow from strength to strength is no secret. As so profoundly put by Andrew Bradley, Chair of the Grey Foundation, “The realisation of the Centre is a powerful testament to the strength of the Grey community and the deep sense of commitment that binds us together across generations and generations.”
Upon entering the new, awe-inspiring building, an exhibition by Duncan Stewart serves as an apt welcome to visitors. The name of the exhibition, Ways of Seeing, lends the viewers a warm invitation to freely observe, reflect and broaden their ways of experiencing and, as a result, express life through a variety of means and perspectives. Together with a collaborative collection of individual artists’ work displayed on Spier art blocks, the minimalist, elegant interior of the building and its beckoning staircase lead on into the state-of-the-art Bergman Auditorium, named after brothers Leslie and Stanley Bergman.
Once inside, it is clear that the vision of transforming the Murray Gymnasium into a concert auditorium was most definitely attained in all magnificent ways. As expected, the opening evening did not disappoint.
Starting off with speeches and heartfelt words of gratitude for the commitment, support and generosity of the Bergman families, the Grey Foundation, the major donors and donor contributions, and a significant address by Leslie Bergman himself, the proceedings moved on to a celebration of art and music. The auditorium’s thoughtful design opened up the space to its full potential and, for a while, it was as if linear time fell away as the power of music – in the form of the powerful Grey orchestra and Junior Concert Band, the moving Grey voices, the swinging Big Band, the bold and dynamic Symphonic Wind Band and the guest artists – filled the interior.
Being swept up in the result of such an amalgamation of talents made the words of the Director of Music at Grey, Shawn Lyon, ring resoundingly clear: “The benchmark standard of imparted musicianship at our beloved school has kept a prolonged steadiness and the beyond-ordinary music activity at Grey’s schools regenerates as a tradition that has real impetus.”
Music has the power to transport its listeners while simultaneously anchoring one in the present moment. As every individual player’s concentration and the sounds of many instruments blended into a collective unity, flanked by the grand piano with its dynamic range and sleek design, and centred by the conductor, the audience was treated to an unforgettable musical experience on this new stage or playing field, if you will.
As Lyon stated, “And so it is that this becomes the Kolisi field of our school’s musicians and for those pursuing other arts as well. We now have the field to play on. The beginning of a whole new future beyond our time.”
Hence, it was an honour to be suspended as if inside a time capsule, being part, for a brief time, of a celebration of the decades and eras of the school’s history and life as a vibrant and most valuable institution, while being offered a glorious glimpse at the school’s propitious future.
Not only will the building be used to promote the music, performing arts and culture scene of the school itself, but it also aims to be of benefit to the city and its wider community. Situated within the heart of the city of Gqeberha, Grey’s creative energy, so superbly showcased and ceaselessly inspired, represents the diverse and inventive community in which it is rooted.
In that split second between the last notes and thunderous applause from the audience, the sense of elation and anticipation is palpable. As we leave, the auditorium is vibrating with promise and possibility, and the memory of the sounds and voices of the future.
