MOSTLY BEETHOVEN CONCERT SERIES

 

(Above: The eThekwini Trio: Ayanda Makulwane (cello); Andrew Warburton (piano) & Evgeny Zhadanov (violin). Photo supplied)

 

Well-known Durban concert pianist Andrew Warburton presents a five-part concert series entitled Mostly Beethoven at the Howard College Theatre on the UKZN Howard College campus from November 15 to 30, 2025.

The series will celebrate the recent refurbishment of the Howard College Steinway concert grand, the list of five concerts will include solo piano recitals, violin and piano recitals, and will feature the acclaimed eThekwini Trio, just returned from a nationwide tour.

On Saturday November 15 at 19h00, the series kicks off with Warburton performing a solo piano recital featuring Beethoven’s immortal “Appassionata” Sonata Op.57, together with other masterpieces such as Schumann’s daunting Sonata no 2, Debussy’s vibrant suite “Estampes” and Prokofiev’s dazzling Sonata no 3.

 

(Left: Aran Singh. Pic supplied)

On Tuesday November 18 at 19h00, the highly talented 17-year-old pianist Aran Singh, a student of Dr Warburton and Ninuca Tkeshelashvili, will play an exciting programme of virtuoso piano pieces by Scriabin, Schumann, Liszt and also including the youthful Sonata Op 14 no 1 by Beethoven.

On Friday November 21 at 19h00, the Russian violinist Evgeny Zhadanov, principal violinist of the KZNPO, teams up with Dr Warburton in a recital of thrilling duo works from the French and Russian repertoire. Sonatas by Gabriel Faure, Cesar Franck, together with the neoclassical “Suite Italienne” by Stravinsky will be played.

On Tuesday November 25 at 19h00, the eThekwini trio will play piano trios by Schubert, Rachmaninov, Piazzolla and the glorious “Archduke” Trio by Beethoven. Written for his friend the Archduke Rudolph of Austria, this is one of the composer’s most noble works.

The final concert will take place on Sunday November 30 at 11h00 and will feature Warburton and Zhadanov performing one of the most iconic works for violin and piano, Beethoven’s “Kreutzer” sonata, Op.47. Written originally for his friend, the violinist George Bridgetower, a musician of African descent, the work pushes the boundaries for both instruments. This recital will also feature Brahms’ violin sonata no. 1 and Janacek’s only sontata for violin and piano, written in 1914 during the First World War.

Talented piano students of Richard Rheeder will feature as prelude performers at 4 of the concerts. Mr Rheeder lectures piano at Hilton College and all the boys at the school are excelling in their piano studies. On November 18, Nathan van der Meulen, also a student of Warburton, will fill the prelude slot.

Tickets will cost R120 (R100 for students and pensioners). A special discounted price of R400 if you book for all five concerts will be offered.

Contact Andrew on 0828534540 for bookings and enquiries.

 

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES ULTIMATE GIRLS TRIP: AFRICA

Launching on Friday, November 28, 2025, on Showmax, The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa brings together some of the continent’s most iconic Housewives for the ultimate getaway, this time set against the vibrant backdrop of Brazil.

After the massive success of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa, one of Showmax’s most-watched titles of 2024, the latest instalment turns up the heat with even more luxury, drama and unfiltered sisterhood. The franchise is officially going continental, as Housewives from South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria come together for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Representing The Real Housewives of Durban are Annie Mthembu, Angel Ndlela and Jojo Robinson.

Joining them are The Real Housewives of Johannesburg favourites Madam Evodia Mogase and Christall Kay.

From Nairobi, they have Dr Catherine Masitsa and Zena Nyambu, while Nigeria brings the heat with Princess Jecoco from Abuja and Mariam Timmer from Lagos

DURBAN FILMMART INSTITUTE DEVELOPS PODCAST SERIES

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has developed a podcast series of 9 episodes which draws inspiration from the 18-week online DFMI Business Lab programme to share knowledge about the business of film.

Starting from October 28, 2025, the series unpacks coproduction, financial management, fundraising, business skills, entertainment law and IP, and distribution strategies.

In each episode, a DFMI Business Lab alumni interviews an expert from the lab so that the wider film industry is able to gain insight into what the lab has to offer and of course to access information and knowledge which will assist industry professionals in building successful and sustainable businesses.

See the full schedule at: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/news/

KZNPO SPRING SEASON CONCERT #1 CELEBRATES CAPPUCCINOS

 

(Above: Internationally acclaimed violinist Jack Liebeck, guest soloist with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s Spring Season opening concert on Thursday November 6 in the Playhouse Opera, enjoys a musical cappuccino at Savior Café, ahead of Cappuccino Day. Photo Shelley Kjonstad)

 

Cappuccino Day is observed each year on November 8. While many people associate this delicious beverage with Italy, cappuccino has roots in Viennese coffee houses of the 1700s.

Savior Café in Glenwood, have been practicing decorating their cappuccinos with musical quavers to celebrate the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s Spring Season.

The KZN Philharmonic’s two concert 2025 World Symphony Spring Season runs in The Playhouse Opera on Thursday, November 6 and 13, starting at 19h00.

Conductor Daniel Boico makes a popular return to open the season on November 6 with masterworks by Mozart, Vaughan Williams, Saint-Saëns and Beethoven.

There are park and bus options for patrons who would prefer not to self-drive to the concerts. KZN Philharmonic tickets are available at Quicket outlets.

For more information, call 031-369 9438, email bookings@kznphil.org.za  or visit www.kznphil.org.za.

 

Alternately, click on the KZNPO advert at the top right-hand side of this article and it will take you through to the orchestra’s website.

 

MiTH: NOVEMBER 5, 2025

KZN Midlands’ favourite music venue! MiTH is a platform for beginners, pros, and music lovers to celebrate the joy of music. It’s held every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm in Hilton.

Where can you meet with friends, enjoy great music in a beautiful environment with roaring fires, hearty food and a cash bar – all for just R50? Music in The Hills - your best bet for an affordable, soul-stirring musical experience with your friends.

 

20h45 – Rob Warren (from Black Lapels)

Rob Warren is a singer-songwriter based in Durban, KZN. Over the past few years, Rob, alongside his bandmates in The Black Lapels, has delivered unique and authentic performances paying tribute to musical heroes such as CCR, Johnny Cash, and Paul Simon.

Never one to sit still, and alongside his role as Black Lapels frontman, 2021 saw Rob officially launch his solo project – adding yet another colour to the palette of this well-established artist and performer.

Rob is a consummate performer: each show runs like a well-oiled machine, with solid musicianship and heartfelt delivery. If you get the chance to see him live, don’t miss it!

 

19h45 – Cuerdas

Cuerdas is a South African acoustic duo rooted in rich harmonies and raw, organic sound. Led by Skippy Kubekha on guitar and vocals alongside Aidan Compton on guitar, the pair weave together threads of folk and blues with a distinct South African flair.

Their music is intimate yet expressive, drawing from storytelling traditions and rhythmic inflections unique to their shared environment. Whether on a small stage or in a larger room, Cuerdas delivers performances that feel both grounded and alive – two guitars, one voice, and a chemistry that resonates.

 

19h00 – This Belongs In A Museum

This Belongs in a Museum (TBIAM) delivers groovy Afro-Rock tunes driven by catchy melodies and singalong hooks.

Joshua White brings the groove on bass and vocals, Michael Lindsey delivers the melodies on electric guitar and vocals, Simphiwe Khuzwayo drives the band forward on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Shamelock Kujeke holds down the beat on drums.

Their originals channel Maskandi melodies heard in the CBD, fused with upbeat rock influences, chilled vibes, and the occasional hint of reggae.

Born last year as a side project amongst friends, playing at markets and cafés for fun, TBIAM quickly evolved into its own project – now ready to test the waters on the MiTH stage.

 

Food and soft drinks for sale. Cash bar available.

Entrance: R50. (Cash or Zapper at the door)

For more information contact 082 331 7271

Visit www.mith.co.za for more info or email mithbookings@gmail.com to perform.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH

Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2km along Hilton Avenue, which becomes Dennis Shepstone Drive. Look for Knoll Drive on your right; the entrance to MiTH is the second left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.

 

GET BACK…AGAIN!

 

Rhumbelow Durban and Rhumbelow Northlands Bowling Club present Get Back … Again featuring Barry Thomson & The Reals - Dawn Selby, Robz Millar, Mali Sewell, Shaun Dragt and Barry Thomson

 

Rhumbelow Durban, Umbilo

Saturday November 8, 2025. Show starts 19h30

Sunday November 9, 2025. Show starts 14h00

 

Rhumbelow Northlands Bowling Club

Saturday November 15, 2025. Show starts 19h30

 

Venues open 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

 

In the short seven-year life span of the Fab Four, better known as ‘The Beatles’, they achieved phenomenal success, holding the record of having the most number one hit songs (20). They hold the record for most number-one albums on (19) and the most singles sold in the UK, 21.1 million. By 1985, they were the best-selling band in history, with estimated total sales of over 1 billion records worldwide.

In the 60s, their songs helped popular music to become the sound track for political, social and cultural upheaval, particularly in the US. From made-to-measure suits and mop tops, to psychedelic suits, nowhere is the importance of image and visual styling more apparent than in their development. They also pioneered new recording techniques and ideas, forgoing live tours and performances to develop a new, more sophisticated studio sound. The Beatles began transforming our culture, dress, and music and their impact is still felt today.

Join Barry Thomson & The Reals as they pay an authentic tribute to Liverpool’s most famous pop group of all time, featuring frontman Barry Thomson (guitar/vocals), Dawn Selby (keyboards/vocals), Mali Sewell (drums/vocals), Robz Millar (bass guitar/vocals) and Shaun Dragt (guitar/vocals).

 

Tickets R200

-       Durban – Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue

Northlands – Tickets R200 (Members R180).  Bring food picnic baskets.

 

FULL BAR AVAILABLE (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises)

Limited secure parking available   

Booking is essential, preferably on email: roland@stansell.co.za or through WEBTICKETS

For more information, call 0824998636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

CALLUM’S WILL: REVIEW

(Left: Darren King as Callum. Pic supplied)

“Callum’s Will” is a touching story told through fine performances and thoughtful direction. (Review by Shannon Kenny)

 

Darren King and Tafara Nyatsanza take the title roles in Blessing Xaba's adaptation of Jana Ramos-Violante’s original play about the relationship between Callum, a disabled former ballet dancer and Will, the young man who is hired to run errands for him. The original play was set in London while this iteration is set in a present-day Johannesburg.

The audience meets a wheelchair-bound Callum in his apartment, with his back towards us, as the record player fills the space with meditative music. 

When the music ends, Callum turns to reveal framed photographs of his former life as a dancer and changes the LP. After performing a series of ballet movements with his arms, he breaks down into anguished sobs.

The entire scene unfolds without a spoken word.

Darren King is excellent as the pent-up Callum. King does a fine job of holding the tension of a character ‘keeping it together’ - who channels the control he would have exercised as a ballet dancer into managing a disability and maintaining a life marked by isolation, frustration and loneliness.

Callum’s frustration with his fate is never far from the surface, whether exhibited in King’s strained jaw, the effort in lifting himself - paralysed legs and all - from wheelchair to armchair or the generous helpings of gin he pours himself before settling down for the night.

Tafara Nyatsanza's Will is spirited, unabashed and provides a spark, colour (did I not envy those costumes!) and levity that contrasts so well with King’s Callum. Will’s entry marks an initially uncomfortable - though certainly welcome - addition to Callum’s world. Callum upbraids Will in their first meeting for arriving early and refuses to speak to him until the appointed time. Will then casually goes about the flat inspecting Callum’s photographs, pills and record collection. Will notices a Chambers Brothers album in the collection and remarks how it was a favourite of his father and uncles in Zimbabwe. A classic.

The actors’ and their characters’ energy is wonderfully matched. Over the course of their relationship - through chess games, jibes about Will’s sartorial choice and a shared reefer - Callum's demeanour softens as he warms to his new friend whose blithe spirit is unfazed by his acerbic comments and who is more curious than troubled by his disability. We learn that Will is originally from Zimbabwe, has lost his father, follows his horoscope and aspires to be a writer. In a poignantly-delivered spoken-word poem, Will reveals just the kind of writer he is.

Writers are often urged to ‘show, don’t tell’ and this piece of theatre is very much a work that does just that. Much about the pair’s growing relationship is revealed in what is not spoken. And there is much that is not revealed that challenges the audience to ask questions of the story: How long has Will been in the country and what is his immigrant experience? Where does he live? What kind of life does he have outside of his work and relationship with Callum and his literary aspirations? Does he see so easily beyond Callum’s disability because he knows what it means to be judged for who people think you are, rather than who you really are? So many questions.

The simple set with its well-placed furniture and accoutrements makes for a believable apartment interior - and allows for King to move with ease in his wheelchair, as though this space were his own. Will’s costumes are befitting of a spritely, creative who does not care for fitting in.

Blessing Xaba's use of silence simultaneously drew my attention to Callum’s isolation and loneliness and at times nudged me to the edge of discomfort, challenging me to consider what loneliness, disability and isolation might mean - and ultimately what I would do with the time I have.

Will is a catalyst and Callum gets to live again, care again and be the cheerleader for someone else's dreams.

The story for me is a story of acceptance and the kind of love where you truly desire the best for the other person - and of letting go because they need to grow without you.

The Chambers Brothers' “Time” underscores the pair’s histories, relationship and uncertainty about their future so well.

Callum’s Will is a touching story told through fine performances and thoughtful direction.

Thank-you and Bravo! – Shannon Kenny

The two final performances take place tomorrow (Sunday November 2) at 15h00 and 18h30.

Ticket price R150 (R100 students and OAP). Booking direct through Darren King on 0823241709.

 

 

SOUND OF MUSIC FUNDRAISER

 

The Denis Hurley Centre will be hosting an afternoon screening of the iconic Rogers and Hammerstein musical, The Sound of Music, at the Rhumbelow Umbilo on Sunday, November 16 at 14h30, to which audience members are invited to dress up and sing along! “What is the first thing you associate with nuns, refugees and great music - the Denis Hurley Centre!  What is the second?  The Sound of Music!” says DHC Director, Dr Raymond Perrier. The Sound of Music turns 60 this year, having been launched in 1965; and Dame Julie Andrews turns 90 years old this month – so plenty to celebrate. It is best known for its astonishing multi-hit soundtrack – including Maria, My Favourite Things, Do Re Mi, Sixteen Going on Seventeen, Sound of Music, So Long Farewell, Climb Ev’ry Mountain and Edelweiss.  Suggested donation R220 per person / R1500 for a table of eight. For information or booking, contact admin@denishurleycentre.org

FOUR FAIR FESTIVAL

A Four Fair Festival is a Berea destination for lovers of markets on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Glenwood Village Centre, upper level. 09h00 to 13h00

Musgrave Methodist Church. 08h30 to 11h30

Glenwood Presbyterian Church. 08h00 to 12 noon

St Olav Church. 08h00 to 11h00

Durban’s Musgrave / Glenwood is the destination for bargain hunters, browsers and shopaholics on Saturday November 1 with literally four morning fairs being held within a few kilometers from each other. 

Glenwood’s favourite everyday shopping centre, Glenwood Village, and three of Berea’s most loved churches - Glenwood Presbyterian, Musgrave Methodist and St Olav, have elected to hold their markets / church fetes on the same day to entice visitors to come to the Berea to enjoy all events.  Two of the churches are adjoining neighbours in St Thomas Road, and Glenwood Village and Glenwood Presby are close by in neighbouring Glenwood. 

The intention is that by working together, visitors from both Berea and further afield can curate their own “Festival of Fetes” by visiting all four in the course of a morning. Come hungry and with spending money. There is guarded street parking and limited off road parking at all venues.

RICHARD HASLOP FOR ST CLEMENTS

 

(Right: Richard Haslop. Pic supplied)

 

Friends of the late Pieter Scholtz who invented the Mondays @ 6 at St Clements programme, invite audiences to a Bob Dylan evening, with a difference. Come and be entertained, intrigued, enlightened by multi-talented musician, music guru, raconteur, former president of the SA Society for Labour Law, blues and roots music aficionado, Richard Haslop.

Bob Dylan uses tunes, lyrics, ideas, stories, characters, song titles and so forth from all over the place, yet seldom gives direct credit, says Richard Haslop. “This has led to his being accused of plagiarism but, as Oscar Wilde may have said, ‘Talent borrows, genius steals’ and, as T S Eliot definitely said, ‘Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal’…”

Dylan, says Haslop, has been borrowing, lifting and appropriating from both traditional and composed sources ever since he started out, and the folk and blues traditions have been fertile hunting grounds. Song To Woody, one of only two original songs on his 1962 debut album, took its entire melody from Woody Guthrie’s own 1913 Massacre. “It’s a melody that almost certainly has its roots in English traditional folk music.”

"That same debut album featured Bob’s versions of a number of blues songs, for one of which he pilfered the guitar figure from the 1957 Everly Brothers hit, Wake Up Little Susie, which is anything but a blues.

“And so Dylan has carried on, adopting and adapting the words and music of as disparate a group of sources as little-known Civil War poet Henry Timrod, a Japanese Yakuza crime syndicate boss, the great Latin language poet Ovid, and, more relevantly for our purposes, the obscure bluesman Hambone Willie Newborn and dozens of unknown sources of centuries-old traditional folk songs, presenting them as his own and coming up with songs like Blowin’ In The Wind, A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall, Masters Of War and many more across a more than six-decade career.”

Bob Dylan and the folk and blues traditions might sound more like a doctoral thesis than a listening session where really nothing more than the surface can be lightly scratched as we spend about an hour-and-a-half comparing those often-ancient sources with what Dylan ended up doing with them. “But let’s scratch that surface, anyway,” says Haslop, “and hope that we don’t end up with something too superficial.”

Richard Haslop, a practicing attorney with a focus on human rights, labour law, arbitration and industrial relations, is a multi-instrumentalist, music reviewer, radio personality and one of South Africa's leading experts on blues and roots music. He is a former president of the South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW) and has acted as a judge in the Labour Court of South Africa on a number of occasions.

Richard Haslop has:

-written about music for national and international publications for more than 30 years;

-presented a number of seriously eclectic music shows on SAfm;

-lectured courses on the history of popular music at UKZN Music Department;

-given talks, lectures and presentations at a number of festivals and conferences in SA and overseas;

-played an incredible number of weird and wonderful musical instruments, solo and in a variety of aggregations (for more than 40 years).

 

Link through to this article, which lists some of his favourite artists and music. http://www.rock.co.za/files/cs_richard_haslop.html

 

When the donation box is passed around, a minimum of R50 per person is suggested.

NB: For Monday at Six, feel welcome to book for one (single) person (and join Val’s table, or another).

Weather permitting, the show will be outdoors.

Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff. (They stay open specially for this project.)Table Bookings Essential: RSVP ST Clements +27 62 582 0980

Be there in time to open your tab, order at the counter, find your table and settle in before the scheduled 18h00 start. If you wish to dine after the presentation, place your order before 18h00.

Please cancel if you book then can’t make it. (They are often at capacity.)

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road in Durban

 

2025 INSTRUMENTAL SHOWCASE

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents the 2025 Instrumental showcase featuring UKZN featuring school of Arts Music Students on Wednesday October 29, 2025, at 17h30.

Witness the talents of second-year student Zolile Mgqatsa on bass. He will be performing Message of Hope by Derrick Hodge. Also in the bill is first-year student saxophone Jude Miller student playing Winelight by Grover Washington JR. Trumpeter Phakamile Mtshali who is a first-year student will be delivering Ode to Nganekhaya by Sphelelo Mazibuko.

Guitarists Sphephelo Mbhele and Thabani Magcaba (Mr 5 minutes) will perform a duet, The things we did last summer made famous by Jo Stafford. Drummer, Buhle Mthiyane who is also a first-year student will be performing Spain by Chick Corea.

A thrilling line-up of UKZN School of Arts (Music) students for Instrumental Showcase

The concert takes place on October 29, 2025. Doors open at 17h00; Music starts at 17h30

Tickets will be available for cash at the door for R120 for General Admission (R90 Pensioners and R60 Students).

UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is located in the Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Howard College Campus

For enquiries email: zamat1@ukzn.ac.za.

FRIENDS OF MUSIC PRESENTS GREAT ROMANTIC SONATAS

(Right: Zanta Hofmeyer and Elna Van Der Merwe. Pic supplied)

Friends of Music will present a programme of Great Romantic Sonatas featuring Zanta Hofmeyer (Violin) and Elna Van Der Merwe (Piano) on November 9 at 14h30 at the Durban Jewish Centre, North Beach.

Zanta Hofmeyr is recognised as one of South Africa’s foremost violinists. She is a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music in New York. After her New York debut in Carnegie Recital Hall, she returned to South Africa in 1985. She performs regularly as soloist with symphony orchestras in South Africa and was lauded for her performances of the Britten, Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn and Bruch concerti. She is also an active chamber music aficionado. She has several recordings with different artists of which the latest are French sonatas with pianist Elna van der Merwe and three Beethoven sonatas.

Elna van der Merwe is an exceptionally talented and versatile pianist and accompanist with an impressive musical career. With formal training in piano and organ from the University of Stellenbosch, she has established herself as a sought-after artist, seamlessly navigating between genres such as classical music, jazz and cabaret. Elna has performed as a soloist with national orchestras and has performed at all the prominent art festivals in South Africa.  Her dedication and passion for music make her one of South Africa’s most esteemed and musical artists.

 

Programme

Tomaso Vitali (1663 – 1745) - Chaconne in g minor

Richard Strauss (1864 – 1949) Sonata for violin and piano in E-flat Major, Opus. 18

Gabriel Fauré (1845 - 1924) Sonata for violin and piano no.1 in A Major, Opus 13

Fritz Kreisler  (1875 – 1962) A selection of concert pieces

 

Tickets R140 (Available at the door)

For more information check millark.millar@gmail.com or phone 0715051021 (Keith)