What It’s Like To…Be the First Black Woman to Own and Conduct an Orchestra in South Africa

She says that conducting happened organically — from starting her own choir to adding one instrument after another, and then finally setting up the entire ensemble in 2019. Pitse, whose 40-piece orchestra (and 25-person choir) is called Anchored Sound, counts her home country's leading conductors Thami Zungu and Gerben Grooten as mentors.

Ofentse Pitse: I was as young as 8 years old when I became aware of what music does to people within a space of gathering. My mom and her friends would gather almost every second weekend. There would be food, music, and fashion. I subconsciously observed the texture of music that was played as the day progressed. I always knew which songs would be played before everyone dispersed. I believe that’s where I developed an observation of the impact that different facets of art have on people.

With that said, that’s how I am able to merge various worlds together. The common element in every human being is spirit, so my aim is to always move people by being a conduit to the craft, I don’t just perform.

I became a conductor organically, I’m tempted to even say ‘spiritually.’ I started my own youth choir after having attended a few school choral competitions. From there, I decided to add a few instruments at every rehearsal, and the ensemble got to the size where it needed a conductor. That’s when I started DMing some of the conductors I followed, in search of a mentor. The year was 2019.

What I like the most about my work is how society is increasingly viewing orchestra, choir, and classical music — as a space they would like to participate in. A space where they too, can be represented. What is most challenging about my work is how I have to adapt different briefs that sometimes stretch me beyond whatever limits I thought I had. How I overcome these challenges is by ensuring that I am really prepared and do my homework. I genuinely do not stop until I get it absolutely right. Even if it takes me longer than anticipated. I really put my ten thousand hours in.

My routine leading up to a show consists of a lot of isolation. I limit being overly-stimulated because my mind gets placed in this capsule where I’m fully living in the music that is being curated. I don’t listen or view anything on streaming sites. I also try to get a full day's rest at least a day before. I ensure somewhat of a proper diet so that I don’t fall ill. I limit my social media presence. I also do a lot of praying.

I would like my community to be able to see themselves beyond where I come from. I would like to see an orchestra ensemble being started in the next year, or at least an interest in classical music training being ignited. I feel that would create a better quality of community if young people were taught these skills. I would love to start an initiative of this nature, but it needs people, in order to make it work. It is part of my long-term goals.