into Johannesburg

»What’s interesting about Johannesburg is the concentration of events transforming the city in such an extremely short space of time. A dynamism prevails here that is both dangerous and beautiful at the same time. The texture of my piece will bear sound colors characteristic of Johannesburg life – it shall be a creature between two extremes: of a negative and positive reality.« Lucia Ronchetti

Before gold was found here in the late 19th century what is the now center of South Africa today was back then just an expanse of untouched Savannah. Even since the end of apartheid Johannesburg or Egoli – the town of gold – as the city is known in the Zulu language, has been marked by extreme contrasts. While in the center of Johannesburg Victorian façades and skyscrapers are evidence of prosperity, the poor settlements in the surrounding townships are still home to those losing out in this boom – blacks for the most part. Johannesburg is therefore considered one of the world’s most dangerous cities and at the same time full of that powerful, pulsating life.