Chapungu Sculpture Park will next Sunday host the second edition of the Tones and Stones Music Festival, a potpourri of music, food and sculpture.
Since 1970, Chapungu has been foremost in the promotion of Zimbabwean stone sculpture and establishing the reputations and careers of many artists and brought much critical acclaim to the art form.
The inaugural edition of the Tones and Stones last year demonstrated Chapungu Sculpture Park’s capability to host events that captivate and inspire.
The unique fusion of mesmerising music, captivating stone sculptures, and delectable cuisine created an immersive experience that delighted attendees.
The event featured performances by renowned opera singers and international guest artistes, whose melodies harmonised perfectly with the serene ambiance of the park.
It is against this background that Chapungu Sculpture Park will this time hosts an afternoon of music, food and sculpture.
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“Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Tones and Stones Music Festival happening on October 27 at the iconic Chapungu Sculpture Park,” said Marcey Mushore, director at the sculpture park.
“This second edition brings together a vibrant mix of music genres, mouth-watering food by DeAnkara Chef and awe-inspiring Shona sculptures in the garden.
“Whether you're a music lover, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, this festival has something for everyone!
“Enjoy live performances across multiple genres— from Afro-jazz and traditional rhythms to contemporary beats, all set against the breath-taking backdrop of Chapungu’s legendary sculpture garden.”
Music performances would be directed by Zimbabwe’s leading musical director Kundisai Mtero and will feature music by Zimspiration Choir, featuring soloists Mitchel Mvundura, Munashe Chavhunduka, Rodgers Gwatidzo and Soothe Muzic.
African Voice, Worae In Motion, Mimhanzi Zicky wacho, The Basics, Evicted Classical Combo featuring pianists Guncha Hojanepesova and Marianne Beck-Volz Flautist Gulnara Machingura as well as violinist Sarah Pierce are expected to mesmerise attendees.
“This is a dynamic line-up of artists performing different genres, creating a musical journey you won’t want to miss,” Mushore said.
“DeAnkara Chef’s culinary delights savour a unique dining experience with a curated menu of exquisite dishes blending Zimbabwean flavours with modern cuisine.
“Sculptures in the garden would make you wander through the renowned Chapungu gardens while exploring stunning Shona stone sculptures as you soak in the art and culture that Zimbabwe is famous for.”
Mushore said the Tones and Stones Music Festival is held at the amphitheatre and the surrounding grassy areas, which she says are the brain child of Roy Guthrie, the founder of Chapungu Sculpture Park.
Over the past five decades, the park and its patrons have managed to consolidate the world’s largest collection of authentic Zimbabwean stone sculptures.
The sculptures live in various locations around the world, including Chapungu’s Msasa location in Harare, Colorado in the United States, Heidelberg in Germany, and others.
There are certain pieces that are available for purchase. But there is also a set of pieces that patrons have no desire to sell, but rather, the permanent collection exists as a way of preserving Zimbabwean culture, and just as important, as a gift for the public to enjoy.
Mushore said tickets for the festival are available at Alliance Francaise de Harare and Chapungu Sculpture Park in the capital.
Chapungu Sculpture Park has acted as a catalyst for transformation and empowerment, especially for female sculptors like the great Agnes Nyanhongo and Colleen Madamombe.
These trailblazing artists broke traditional standards and destroyed biases, demonstrating that artistic expression has no borders and that artistry recognises no gender.
The Park is home to pieces by some of Zimbabwe's most famous stone sculptors, particularly those from the First Generation (those who created between the late 1960s and the 1980s), such as Joseph Ndandarika, Henry Munyaradzi, Nicholas Mukomberanwa, Sylvester Mubayi, Bernard Matemera, Richard Mteki, John, Bernard and Lazarus Takawira and Brighton Sango, as well as many from the Second Generation (those who created between the 1980s and 1990s) such as Tapfuma Gutsa, Agnes Nyanhongo, Colleen Madamombe, Dominic Benhura, Joe Mutasa, Arthur Fata, Jonathan Gutsa, Fabian Madamombe, Taylor Nkomo and Eddie Masaya. The magnificent sculptures provide witness to the artist's ability, passion, and enormous contribution to Zimbabwean cultural history.
The indoor gallery also features a large selection of contemporary works created by new and upcoming artists, as well as some prominent second generation artists, made in semi-precious stones including Rose Quartz, Verdite, Aventurine, Red Jasper and Agate.
Visitors to Chapungu Sculpture Park will be engaged in a journey that highlights Zimbabwe’s rich history, customs, and culture.
Each sculpture embodies our core values, beliefs, and goals, eventually adding to our national identity. The artworks provide a moment of reflection and rediscovery of what it means to be Zimbabwean.
Aside from the visual buffet of sculptures, Chapungu offers a variety of captivating activities and programmes in which visitors can engage.
There is something for everyone to explore and enjoy, from Sunday picnics in the serene gardens to the wellness programme, which includes art healing, dance yoga lessons, stone sculpting classes, and acrylic painting classes for beginners.
The park also houses HAYA Cooperative, which is a collective of sculptors. Visitors to Chapungu have an opportunity to interact with these resident artists, watching them work and learning about their creation processes.