MUSIC REVIVAL’S WINTER FESTIVAL

Week-long series in Pietermaritzburg offers good music for winter evenings and day outings.

Christopher Duigan of Music Revival has created a very busy week’s season from July 11 to 18 which offers Pietermaritzburg audiences much to enjoy on crisp winter evenings and warm day outings. . A Pietermaritzburg resident, Christopher Duigan is well-known to local audiences and was recently named a Steinway Artist by the world’s premier piano makers, Steinway and Sons.

July 11 - Celebrating Chopin II: With accolades and brilliant reviews for Celebrating Chopin from the 2010 Grahamstown National Festival, Christopher Duigan brings his Celebrating Chopin II to the opening concert of this Winter Festival at the Tatham Art Gallery. His Celebrating Chopin performances have been presented in over 30 performances across South Africa since February 2010. The concert is free, with donations collected after the performance. The current Jabulisa Exhibition of selected works by current KZN artists at the Tatham is well worth visiting. Celebrating Chopin II is presented in association with Friends of the Tatham Art Gallery (FOTAG).

July 12 - Discovering Chopin: In a uniquely insightful lecture-recital, Christopher Duigan presents a detailed demonstration and discussion of various elements in Chopin's music. The programme includes invaluable detailing of the music as well as discussion of the interpretive choices, as seen in Celebrating Chopin I & II. Tickets R80pp include soup, gluhwein and coffee. The concert starts at 19h30 and the venue opens at 19h00.

July 13 - A Taste of Tango: Cape Town–based Stanislav Angelov joins Christopher Duigan once again for a scintillating selection of accordion and piano improvisations. From the popular Latin world and European cafes, this mix of rhythms and catchy melodies produces dynamic energy. Tickets R100pp includes gluhwein and coffee. Bring your own wine. The concert starts at 19h30 and the venue opens at 19h00.

July 14 – Stanislav Angelov/Christopher Duigan: The Free Lunch-Hour Concerts at the Tatham Art Gallery, presented by FOTAG on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, gets an extra blast with visiting Bulgarian Stanislav Angelov playing the accordion. Christopher Duigan (piano) joins in certain numbers that include classical compositions and a nod in the direction of today's Bastille Day celebration. The concert starts at 13h10 and entrance is free.

July 14 - Parklane's Bastille Day Dinner: Vive Le France! Join the celebration on French National Day or Bastille Day. With a great selection of French food, wine and music on offer, this is not to be missed. Enjoy a three-course menu available from 18h30, selected French wines and champagnes on sale at supermarket prices and popular French music for your entertainment through the evening in a casual café atmosphere. Cabaret songs from favourite chanteuses Karin Herd and Helen Vermaak, plus café accordion and piano, means you should bring your beret and tricolor to complete the picture! Tickets R160 pp includes a three-course meal and coffee. The concert is presented in the Coffee Shop at Parklane Super Spar in Pietermaritzburg association in with Parklane Super Spar. There is secure parking.

July 15 - The Great Wine Food Music Experience: For a unique instalment in the popular food/wine/music pairings series, take an opportunity to taste wines from multiple estates represented by VDP Wine Distributors. Favourite wines from Post House, Diemersfontien and Sumaridge are presented by top wine consultant Jan-Nico Coetzee. With carefully chosen seasonal flavours from Margie Harel of Aubergine, and music by Christopher Duigan and guests, this is another winner, not to be missed. R230pp includes pairing/tasting menu, main course and dessert plus coffee, music and the featured selection of wines. Bookings of tables of four or more preferred. The event is presented 18h30 in association with Parklane Super Spar.

July 16 - Playing With Poetry. Local poet Floss Mitchell reads selections from her latest collection. Cleverly interleaved with music performed by Christopher Duigan, the two mediums speak and inform each other, in a creative collaboration. R80 includes gluhwein, soup and coffee. The venue opens at 19h00 with the concert at 19h30.

July 17 –Rowan Stuart: The much anticipated music performances in the lower garden amphitheatre at No 35 get under way with talented young songwriter/singer/ guitarist Rowan Stuart. Joined by a three-piece band, Rowan entertains with a selection of his highly original material and a set of blues and ‘covers’ thrown in. Opening for Rowan is equally young and talented and ‘one to watch’, Shannon Hope on vocals and piano. The concert starts at 13h30 - bring your own chairs, rugs, picnic lunch and wines. Tickets R50pp.

July 17 - World Cup Of Song: Federico Freschi keeps an upbeat edge and a celebratory mood to a collection of songs, both familiar and celebrated. Representing various nations from around the world, this programme includes an audience sing-along for a fun evening in the relaxed café setting at no. 35. Bring your table picnic and wine. Represent your chosen nation if you choose, for a special prize. Booking at tables of four or more preferred. The venue opens at 19h00 with the concert at 19h30.

July 18 – Tumble Downs Lunch: For this very special occasion, and the final concert of the week, Music Revival presents leading South African soprano Bronwen Forbay and Federico Freschi in a popular selection accompanied Christopher Duigan at the grand piano. Having recently wowed local audiences at the Concert in the Park with the KZNPO, they are much in demand on stages around South Africa. Supported by MR Woollam and Associates, their programme of popular arias includes duets and extended scenes from Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Don Pasquale and a breathtaking set from Act II of Verdi’s La Traviata. Lunch is served from 12h30. Tickets R250pp includes a three-course meal and performance and advance payment is required. Tables of four or more are preferred. Tumble Downs Restaurant is situated at Curry’s Post Road - 8 km from Main Road, Howick. Booking essential on 033 330 8099 or 082 802 2837.

There is secure parking at all venues. Unless otherwise indicated, events take place at 35 Montgomery Drive, Pietermaritzburg and booking is through Music Revival on 033 342 3051 or email: booking@musicrevival.co.za For possible changes or additions to the programme, visit www.musicrevival.co.za