On Wednesday, 7 May 2025, during Reunion week, Grey High School proudly opened the doors of its new Music & Arts Centre (MAC) — a transformative space dedicated to nurturing creativity, talent, and cultural excellence.
We begin with deep gratitude to the Grey Foundation and every generous donor whose support brought this long-held dream to life. Your belief in the vision of the MAC has made a lasting impact on the school and its broader community.
Special thanks go to Leslie and Stanley Bergman and their families, whose extraordinary leadership, whose extraordinary leadership and anchor donation played a pivotal role in helping us reach our fundraising goal. Your unwavering dedication and generosity continue to inspire.
In the reflection that follows, Mr Bergman shares his personal journey — from early clarinet lessons at Grey to his deep involvement in bringing the MAC to life. It is a story of memory, music, and meaningful giving.
“TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO” – a meaningful addition
By Leslie Bergman
When I was at the Grey we learnt that the three-pronged motto of the school referred to excellence in “mind, body and spirit “ The first two were clear ie academics and sport. But what exactly was the third?
I think that over the years, the third part of the school motto has evolved into excellence in the arts – music ( in its many forms), painting, sculpture and more modern expressions of the arts using technology. And niche skills such as puppetry of which Old Grey Adrian Kohler (who gave this year’s superb Grey Foundation Lecture) is a world-famous exponent. Click here to watch the lecture
In the speech that I was privileged to give at the opening of the Music & Arts Centre ( MAC) on May 7th, I traced the history of the MAC. There was no music at all other than the cadet bugle band when I arrived at Grey High School in 1956. In about 1959, Robert Selley was appointed the school’s first Director of Music. Selley also instructed me in the clarinet.
Fifty years later, I attended my first Selley Memorial Concert. I could not believe my ears and eyes. The Grey had a world-class music department – orchestras, brass bands, ensembles, choirs and soloists. With my involvement with the UK Grey Foundation and my lifelong interest in music, I got drawn into the issue of the inadequate facilities for this increasingly important contribution to the reputation of The Grey.
As we started exploring the concept of a Music Centre, it became clear that we should include facilities for drama and visual art. And so the concept of the “ Music & Arts Centre “ ( MAC) was born. As we explored this concept further, it became clear that such a centre could serve a much-needed function in the broader community beyond the school.
Left: Leslie Bergman delivers his speech at the Opening of the Music & Arts Centre
I was then asked to lead a project to make the MAC a reality. I worked with the most exceptionally dedicated people. My brother Stanley and I made the anchor donation to provide the fundraising impetus. The Grey Foundation and SGB’s representing the parents gave their total support. Within a relatively short period of time, the Grey Music & Arts Centre had become a reality.
The building, with its beautiful and technologically advanced auditorium, graciously architected foyer and superb integration with the existing buildings, has exceeded all expectations. It is not yet fully completed – as further funds are raised, the basement music rooms will be refurbished and a further outside social feature will be added.
The official opening of the MAC was on May 7th. The foyer walls were beautifully decorated with art from the schoolboys and local artists. The musical performances were of the breadth and standard we have come to expect. I mentioned in my remarks that in allowing the auditorium to carry our family name, we pay tribute to a city that gave refuge to our parents who fled racial oppression in Europe and the school that gave us the start for pursuing our subsequent careers.
I feel gratified by this very successful project. I believe the MAC adds to the ”Tria Juncta in Uno” motto of the Grey by providing a facility to help produce future musicians and artists that will make South Africa proud.
-Leslie