Ofentse Pitse is the youngest African woman orchestra owner, conductor, classical music
arranger, producer, musician and curator of intimate musically inspired/influenced spaces and
experiences. Pitse was inspired and raised to revere education by her mother and
grandmother. Education has continued to be a core value and practise for Ofentse, who
graduated with her Master of Architecture from the University Of The Witwatersrand in
Pearl Matshidiso Pitse.
A lover of all things art, Africa, and people, Ofentse has managed to masterfully create a
brand that truly reflects her core values, character, people and heart – all of which are vital
ingredients for a history-making change agent and rising influential cultural voice and a key
player in the orchestral world.
Born and raised in the City of Tshwane, it was in the vibrant streets of South Africa’s capital
city that Ofentse first discovered and developed her deep love for music. With a family
active in the Salvation Army, Ofentse soon found her way to its famous brass band, where she
learned to play the English horn, trumpet, flugelhorn and cornet. As her skill improved, so did
her range, and she expanded her repertoire from gospel music to classical and jazz.
Under the mentorship and tutelage of two of the country’s leading conductors, Thami Zungu
and Gerben Grooten, Ofentse transitioned from a musician into her current role as an
orchestra conductor and owner of Anchored Sound, a 40-piece orchestra and 25-person
strong choir.
I want to drive inclusivity because it’s hard for women to belong in a boardroom or a
soundstage. As a Black woman, I have had to learn how to assert myself in male-dominated
environments and defend my work and dreams. This is what fuels my vision, my purpose, and
my birthright. I want my presence in this space to encourage women who look like me and
feel they don’t belong to see that they can, they do, and they must! There is no limit to our
potential, capacity, and creativity