It was a moment of pure musical enchantment that unfolded on August 13, when the Brazzaville Children’s Symphony Orchestra (Oseb) took to the stage of the Prefecture’s grand hall. Just days before the celebration of Independence Day, the young virtuosos captivated a packed audience, blending the precision of classical music with the soulful depth of African expression.
Performing before a full house, the young musicians of Oseb presented an eclectic program that intertwined masterpieces of the classical repertoire with emblematic works from Africa’s musical heritage. Under thunderous applause, violins, violas, and other instruments resonated with remarkable mastery, showcasing the exceptional talent of children trained locally yet guided by German experts who traveled to Brazzaville specifically for the occasion.
The repertoire, both ambitious and accessible, included works such as Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich, Asia by Sophie Dufeutrelle, Merci maman by Alphonse Ntaloulou, and Brazzavillois by Makoumba-Nzabi. The most stirring moment came with the rendition of Joseph Kabasele’s legendary Indépendance Cha Cha, which sent shivers through the audience. “I leave here deeply moved and enriched. This was music of the great masters, performed by the young. Congratulations to the Orchestra for such an unforgettable performance,” shared one visibly emotional spectator.
The evening was graced by several members of government, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and notably the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Congo, Dr. Wolfgang Klapper. In his address, the ambassador recalled the origins of Oseb, born from a collaboration between the German Embassy and the Senior Experten Service (SES), an organization mobilizing German volunteer experts worldwide. He praised the orchestra’s progress and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting this inspiring initiative.
Dr. Fouemina Tanguy, one of Oseb’s leaders, promised that this concert was only the beginning, announcing another performance scheduled for September.
Unique in the Republic of Congo, the Brazzaville Children’s Symphony Orchestra embodies a talented and disciplined youth, poised to project Congolese culture onto the international stage through classical music. It stands as a powerful example of what can emerge when local passion meets international support—a harmony of tradition, excellence, and hope.
