Our Name
In Setswana, Mookodi translates to rainbow. In African culture, the rainbow signifies renewal and the potential for growth after rainfall. We were inspired by the concept of the Rainbow Nation, a term popularised by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, to symbolise post-apartheid South Africa. At Mookodi Music Foundation, we embrace this symbolism as we strive to foster new beginnings through our commitment to music education and development in South Africa. This name holds deep significance for us, representing a nation characterised not only by diversity, but also by a shared vision.
Vision
The vision of the Mookodi Music Foundation is to make music its legacy. The foundation’s vision is driven not only by the wish to contribute to the development and success of young South African musicians at national level, but also to securing international recognition of the wonderful musical talent that the country has to offer.
The foundation’s values speak to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in that we believe in social justice, human dignity and equal opportunities for all people, regardless of socio-economic position, sexual orientation, gender or race.
Where it all began . . .
The four directors of the Mookodi Music Foundation bring extensive national and international expertise to the board. Having been colleagues and friends for many years, they have actively engaged with young South African musicians through workshops, master classes and exchange programmes between academic institutions. Their commitment to fostering the development of young South African musicians led to the establishment of this music foundation.
Mission
The foundation’s mission is to make a difference by supporting young South Africans who are studying to become part of the music industry. The goals of this mission can be achieved by supporting teaching and learning opportunities, offering financial support where needed, and arranging and supporting performance opportunities to young South Africans who have a desire to develop their innate musical talents.
Janice Dixon, a soprano hailing from New York, honed her musical prowess at the Aaron Copland School of Music, mastering voice, piano and violin. Her journey led her to grace prestigious stages worldwide, collaborating with illustrious ensembles like the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic Orchestra and Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Notably, her portrayal of Bess in Gershwin's Porgy and Bess captivated audiences across the USA before captivating international audiences in Melbourne, Paris, Amsterdam, and London.
Dixon's talent flourished in Germany, where she found acclaim at the Theater des Westens in Berlin under the guidance of Götz Friedrich. Her career spans diverse genres, from opera to jazz and spiritual music. As a soloist at the National Theater in Mannheim and various opera houses across Europe, Dixon's voice resonated with audiences. Collaborations with trumpeter Thomas Siffling and the SAP Big Band resulted in acclaimed recordings and performances, marking a milestone in her musical journey.
Beyond the stage, Dixon shares her expertise as a classical music and singing pedagogue, imparting knowledge gleaned from her alma mater and experiences in New York and Germany. Her dedication to music extends to church concerts, jazz performances and philanthropic events, enriching communities with her soulful renditions and vibrant melodies.
Bo Rosenkull is a luminary in the realm of singing pedagogy, holding esteemed positions as Professor of Singing and Singing Pedagogy at the Royal Academy of Music (KMH) in Stockholm and as Professor of Dramatic Performance specializing in Music-Dramatic Singing at the Academy of Music and Drama (HSM) at Gothenburg University. With a wealth of experience and expertise, he currently serves as the president of Voice Teachers of Sweden and vice president on the executive board of the European Voice Teachers Association (EVTA).
Renowned for his teaching prowess, Bo is in high demand as a singing pedagogue, conducting masterclasses at prestigious music and opera institutions across the globe, including South Africa, Azerbaijan, the Netherlands, Turkey and many more. His commitment to sharing knowledge and nurturing talent extends far and wide.
As a seasoned performer, Bo has graced the stages of esteemed opera houses, including the Royal Opera Stockholm, Folkoperan Stockholm, Gothenburg Opera and Malmö Opera, among others. His versatility is further demonstrated through his work as a choir conductor and music teacher in primary and secondary schools, where he imparts his passion for music to the next generation.
An accomplished author and composer, Bo penned the acclaimed book Come and Sing! which serves as a testament to his dedication to the art of singing. In recognition of his contributions to the field, he was awarded his PhD at North-West University (NWU) in South Africa in 2023, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the world of music education and performance.
Yvonne Schiffelers, a distinguished Dutch mezzo-soprano, embarked on her musical journey at the Conservatorium Maastricht, where she honed her vocal prowess. Her talent quickly garnered recognition, leading to her engagement as a member of the Opera Studio in Cologne. Following this formative experience, she embarked on a remarkable career at the National Theater in Mannheim, Germany, where she showcased her versatility in approximately 50 roles, spanning from Mozart to Strauss.
Schiffelers' artistry has graced opera houses across Germany and Europe, including Hamburg, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Brussels, collaborating with esteemed conductors and directors such as Edo de Waart, Harry Kupfer, and Claus Guth. Her compelling interpretations and dynamic performances have earned her acclaim as a leading interpreter of Mahler's song cycles and a sought-after soloist in concerts and oratorios worldwide.
Beyond the stage, Schiffelers is committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians, sharing her expertise through teaching and masterclasses at institutions around the globe. From Conservatorium Maastricht to workshops in Brazil, Syria, South Africa and Spain, she imparts her knowledge and passion for classical voice and opera. Her dedication to mentorship extends to research coaching, enriching the academic landscape with her insights and experience.
Schiffelers' influence transcends borders, as evidenced by her collaborations with institutions like the North West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Through her workshops and engagements, she continues to inspire and empower aspiring vocalists, leaving an indelible mark on the world of opera and music education.
Santisa Viljoen embarked on her journey at the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and Stellenbosch University. Under the mentorship of Werner Nel and Nellie du Toit, she specialized in Applied Vocal Studies, laying the foundation for her illustrious career.
As a Teaching Advancement at University (TAU) Fellow, Santisa pursued academic excellence, earning a PhD in Musicology, an MA in English Literature (cum laude), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching. Joining the School of Music in 2001, she imparted knowledge in Applied Vocal Studies, voice pedagogy, and choral conducting, shaping the next generation of musicians.
Santisa's impact transcends the classroom; she is a published author and dedicated supervisor to doctoral students, fostering excellence in music scholarship. Her students have achieved national and international acclaim, with some establishing successful careers in Europe.
Respected for her expertise, Santisa conducts master classes in singing and vocal development across South Africa, Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands. She also serves as an adjudicator and examiner for prestigious national and international events, contributing to the advancement of musical performance standards.
As the former director of the Conservatory Choir of the North-West University, Santisa led the ensemble acclaim, earning accolades and nominations, including a Fiësta award nomination in 2017. Her research interests span interdisciplinary studies on text, context, and identity construction, choral conducting, and the integration of technology in performance-based disciplines.
Santisa's legacy continues to resonate through her students, scholarly contributions, and profound impact on the music community.