The world premiere of Song of the Carnivores, featuring over 500 performers - choirs of schoolchildren from across Bulawayo as well as local and international musicians, took place at Bulawayo's Large City Hall on Thursday 24 May as part of the Bulawayo Music Festival. The music was composed by Richard Sisson and the event was compered by Petroc Trelawny.
Unfortunately, towards the end of the second performance that night, Petroc was called off the stage and arrested for volunteering his services towards the event without a work permit. He later fell while in police custody, fracturing his arm, and was transferred under guard to hospital on 26 May. On 29 May, it is reported that charges have been dropped and that he is to be released.
The concert is part of the wider Song of the Carnivores project, which brings together poetry, music, art and conservation. The first stage was a poetry competition, organised by 'amaBooks, some of the words from the winning entries being incorporated into the lyrics. A series of talks on the five carnivores - Lion, Leopard, Wild Dog, Hyena and Cheetah - followed. An art competition amongst schoolchildren is in progress, and a choral version of Richard Sisson's composition will be performed during the Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo in September.
Drew Shaw's video of the first performance can be seen on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWbqC74xrgU)
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