There are moments when art ceases to be merely "performance" and becomes a mirror held up to the world. On 19 March the Odeion School of Music in Bloemfontein will host such a moment.

Composer Arthur Feder joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the privilege to experience his music being brought to life by the Odeion String Quartet, pianist Cézarre Strydom, clarinettist Danré Strydom, and dancer Jeanette Ziady. 

In the Blink of an Eye is not just a concert; it is a multidisciplinary call to action. Commissioned by acclaimed South African composer Arthur Feder, this seven-movement work confronts the most pressing challenge of our generation: the climate crisis.

A Dialogue Between Legends

Drawing structural inspiration from Messiaen’s iconic "Quartet for the End of Time", Feder has woven a narrative that reimagines traditional musical forms to reflect our contemporary ecological reality.

The production moves through a storytelling arc that many of us feel daily:

• The Urgency: The frantic pulse of the present.

• The Consequence: The stark reality of inaction and environmental fragility.

• The Transformation: A glimmer of hope and the responsibility we carry for renewal.

A Powerhouse Collaboration

What makes this premiere truly exceptional is the caliber of the artists bringing Feder’s vision to life through a sensory experience that blends instrumental mastery with physical expression and visual projection. This powerhouse collaboration features the Odeion String Quartet, the only resident string quartet at a South African university and the bedrock of classical excellence in the Free State, performing alongside renowned virtuosos Prof. Danré Strydom on clarinet and pianist Cézarre Strydom, both of whom bring immense international experience back to the local stage. 

Completing this multidisciplinary interplay between sound and space is the renowned dancer and choreographer Jeanette Ziady, whose interpretation of the score transforms the evening from a standard performance into a dynamic, living narrative.

Why This Matters Now

In a recent conversation on the OFM Art Beat, Arthur Feder spoke with Yolanda Maartens about the profound "privilege" of hearing these specific musicians breathe life into his score. The work explores unique instrumental combinations, ensuring that every movement feels fresh, startling, and deeply resonant.

Whether you are a lover of contemporary classical music, a supporter of local South African composers, or someone deeply moved by environmental activism, this performance is for you. It reminds us that while the damage to our planet can happen "in the blink of an eye," so too can the shift in our collective consciousness.

Event Details & Tickets

Don't wait until the last minute – seats at the Odeion are coveted for any flagship UFS event.

• Date: 19 March 2026

• Time: 19:00

• Venue: Odeion, Bloemfontein

• Tickets: Available now via Quicket

For an evening of loss, resilience, and ultimately, hope -- go see In the Blink of an Eye.