ALL TIME TOP CLASSICS

Popular concert returns to Pietermaritzburg on March 5 with more of the best in classical music.

You have heard them often, although you might not be able to put a name to them, and they have undoubtedly moved you in some way. From the lively melodies of Vivaldi's Four Seasons to Bach's evocative Air on a G String, be prepared to be entertained with the return of the highly-popular All Time Top Classics.

Presented by Phoenix Events and Entertainment, the concert features the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra along with gifted soloists Boris Kerimov (cello) and Elena Kerimova (violin). The all-new programme also includes Bruch's hauntingly beautiful Kol Nidrei, Mozart's Symphony No. 25, Barber's Adagio for Strings, Mussorgsky's Night on a Bald Mountain, Piazollo's Grand Tango and Strauss' glorious waltz, The Blue Danube.

Prior to the concert, patrons can enjoy a performance by the St Nicholas Steel Drum Band and a group from Vuka Drumline (a Steel Drum Foundation initiative). Both these projects build a love for music in young people along with providing them with an outlet for creative expression through music.

Boris Kerimov started to play the cello at the age of eight and graduated from the Novosibirsk Conservatoire in 1989. He was featured as a soloist with the Novosibirsk Philharmonic Orchestra (Siberia) and since 1999, has held the position of principal cellist with the KZNPO and has often appeared as soloist. Together with South African concert pianist, Christopher Duigan, Boris and his wife Elena established the Kerimov Trio. They perform regular classical recitals, chamber music and café concerts in Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The trio was invited to perform at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, the Hilton Festival, in Johannesburg at the Northwards Concerts and at Nederburg in Cape Town. Other engagements have included performances at the Music in the Mountains series at the Drakensburg Boy's Choir School, as well as concerts at Vergelegen in the Cape, Wits University in Johannesburg and UNISA in Pretoria. They also performed a special programme of Siberian trio music, the first in South Africa, at the Hilton Festival and two programmes of Russian trio and duo works at the 2004 National Arts Festival. Elena Kerimova is co-principal first violin in the KZNPO and a founder member of the electrifying violin quartet BraVa, which has taken KZN by storm in recent times with performances at the Starlight Pop Opera and PMB Concert in the Park. She is a firm favourite with local audiences, displaying a dazzling technical ability and infectious stage personality.

Russian-born conductor-violinist Naum Rousine held posts as conductor at the Kazan Opera House in Russia and assistant conductor with the Kazan Philharmonic Orchestra, before emigrating to South Africa in 1992. He took up a post as first violinist with the KZN Philharmonic and his debut as a conductor was with the 1994 premiere of his own Flute Concerto. The scope of his work encompasses chamber, symphonic, ballet, musicals, operatic and choral works, as well as education and development programmes with the KZNPO. He has scored great success in vocal repertoire and highlights of his career include the KZNPO's 2004 European tour, where he conducted a performance of Zizi Lethu! Themba Lethu! in Bremen. He is a familiar figure with the KZN Philharmonic's World Symphony Series and various outdoor concerts.

All Time Top Classics takes place at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall on March 5 at 19h30. Tickets range from R80 to R150 and bookings can be made through Parklane SuperSpar (033 342 3487) or through Computicket (083 915 8000 or www.computicket.com). Safe and secure parking, monitored by security personnel, will be available at the PMB City Hall, Freedom Square, Tatham Gallery and on Church Street.