Zimbabwe College of Music to Host Free Winter Warmer Concert as First Semester Ends
As the first semester at the Zimbabwe College of Music draws to a close, students and music lovers alike are gearing up for a special showcase. Tomorrow, May 17, 2025, the institution in Harare will open its doors for the much‑anticipated Winter Warmer Concert, a free live event featuring the college’s own student band. This concert promises an evening of vibrant performances from emerging talent nurtured at one of Zimbabwe’s oldest formal music training institutions.
Founded in 1948 by celebrated musician and educator Eileen Reynolds, the Zimbabwe College of Music began as a centre for Western classical music primarily serving the white community. Under the visionary leadership of executive director Rachel Jera‑Chigwanda, ZCM has transformed into a truly multicultural institution. Today’s curriculum spans Zimbabwean traditional music, jazz and Western classical styles, reflecting the college’s commitment to both heritage and innovation.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style ahead of tomorrow’s concert, Jera‑Chigwanda described the Winter Warmer Concert as a celebration of creativity, learning and cultural fusion. “The Winter Warmer Concert is not just a musical event; it is an artistic expression of the growth and diversity of our students. I am urging music lovers across Harare to come and support the rising stars on the Zimbabwe music scene,” she said. She added that the free‑admission format offers the public a rare chance to witness students’ journeys from classroom theory to live performance in a uniquely Zimbabwean context.
The concert programme will showcase a wide repertoire, from traditional mbira tunes and marimba pieces to jazz improvisations and chamber works. “Our teaching philosophy embraces the richness of our own traditional music alongside jazz and Western classical styles. This concert is a reflection of that diversity,” Jera‑Chigwanda explained. Attendees can expect dynamic arrangements that highlight both individual virtuosity and the ensemble’s cohesive spirit.
Beyond technical skill, the college emphasises cultural grounding and global readiness. “Our vision is to continue producing graduates who can represent Zimbabwe on any stage in the world while staying grounded in their cultural identity,” said Jera‑Chigwanda. To that end, ZCM partners with Africa University to offer qualifications ranging from the National Certificate of Music to a Bachelor of Music degree, equipping students with both academic and practical expertise.
Over the decades, the Zimbabwe College of Music has nurtured many of the nation’s celebrated artists, including guitarist and producer Clive “Mono” Mukundu, gospel star Charles Charamba, and mbira songstress Hope Masike. Tomorrow’s Winter Warmer Concert provides the next generation of ZCM alumni the opportunity to forge their own artistic paths—and for Harare audiences, it’s the perfect chance to experience the future of Zimbabwean music, free of charge and full of warmth.
