Yolanda speaks to Mariechen Meyer, founder of the SA Strings Foundation in the OFM Art Beat, about the work the foundation has done to date and how the various regions fit into the foundation’s role.

The non-profit organisation SA Strings Foundation – a product of South Africa’s first online convention for string instrumentalists in October 2020 – aims to create a sense of community between South African string players, including traditional string instruments, violin, viola, violoncello, double bass, harp, electric and acoustic guitar players. 

Mariechen Meyer

The foundation aims to be an educational platform that helps string players with access to resources, to get exposure to self-learning experiences, and to connect with other artists in the community. It aims to improve the standard of string instrument playing in South Africa.

One of the key aspects of the foundation is the presenting of their bi-annual conventions which are hosted in different regions. Next year the foundation will be hosting its 2nd in-person convention in collaboration with the Odeion School of Music at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein.