"I commend and support the social initiative by Desert Rose to address the issues of religious intolerance and cultural prejudice though their musical drama, Silence of the Music. Their ongoing perseverance to create music for the purposes of promoting common spirituality in the face of growing extremism, Xenophobia and declining spirituality is much needed and should be supported by everyone who cares about establishing a society of healing and peaceful co-existence."

ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU

If drama is the action of the heart then music is the language of the soul. Together their alchemy creates the possibility of new thought, new awareness and new determination in our world. In Silence of the Music Desert Rose are doing something new. They are going beyond the music, combining their passion, their intensity and their talent in order to take us to a new place of seeing beyond our religious and cultural differences. Their work has inspired us to explore the profound depths of spiritual unity and to celebrate the dignity of difference within our diverse religious heritage. The Cape Town Interfaith Initiative is honoured to give its full support to this exciting new creation.

Fr. John Oliver
Cape Town Interfaith Initiative

In a world threatened by continued polarisation, division, and misunderstanding there can be no greater need for those with a universal interest in the affairs of humanity to join hands in making visible the beauty of human diversity and the potential for that diversity to realize, in a harmonious orchestration of elevated togetherness, the highest values that the human species is capable of. Amongst these values we would count the essential oneness of humanity, respect for the dignity of all, tolerance for and the acknowledgment – in a spirit of engaged pluralism – of the God-given right and freedom to embrace and practice the beliefs of our choice.

What better way to realize these ideals than through the creative and artistic medium of a musical-drama? Silence of the Music will resonate loudly, and most powerfully, with those whose hearts are attuned to a compassionate and empathetic need for the establishment of universal harmony, understanding and togetherness. May the sublime fragrances of this Desert Rose production silence the cacophonous, divisive and discordant voices of bigotry, prejudice and hatred. They have our full support.

Shaykh Seraj Hendricks
Lecturer, Studies in Islam, University of Johannesburg.

Music elevates the soul and is universal to all societies and cultures, making it the ideal medium to highlight our common humanity. Desert Rose’s musical drama Silence of the Music uses music to tackle the issue of how true love triumphs over prejudice and xenophobia. The music enhances the story and reminds us that we are all intrinsically the same in spite of our cultural, religious and linguistic differences.

We need to carry this important message in our hearts and minds in order to change society for the better. Such artistic productions are valuable reminders of this sacred task.

Rabbi Malcolm Matitiani Cape Town Progressive Jewish Congregation