Wilna Meanley

I do not come from a particularly musical background, which in any way qualifies me for making whatever contribution to the listening pleasure of those who tune in.  I just love music, always have – literally from Bach to the Beatles.  Took piano lessons as a child and passed the Licentiate in my Matric year.  Unfortunately, after that there was neither privacy nor pressure to practise, practise – and syncopation was much more fun, anyway.  Ah the memories of “You’re the cream in my coffee…”

Coming to Cape Town ten years ago, the pleasure of music developed from an interest into a more active hobby and an ever-expanding learning curve with wonderful friendships forged along the way.  The music scene in this city is vibrant and alive and very accessible, with something for everyone.  I had no hesitation in joining FMR right at its inception, as the station not only seemed to embrace the whole spectrum of music, but also refuted that sad, insular “I have an opinion to voice, but please don’t ask me to get involved” attitude that Capetonians have a reputation for.  The spirit of FMR is, for me, embodied in the words of Dr Max Bendiner:

“Music may achieve the highest of all mission:  she may be a bond between nations, races and states, who are strangers to one another in many ways; she may unite what is disunited, and bring peace to what is hostile” or overgezegtzynde as Danie Marais would say – joy is so much more joyful with a tune to it!”

Wilna compiles some of the Classical Breakfast programmes.