national Arts Festival Banner

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

THE LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS

(Maestro Richard Cock)

The Playhouse Opera Theatre will be alive with glorious music and song for the Last Night of the Proms on October 22.

The British Cultural & Heritage Association/1820s offers the opportunity of capturing the fun, unique atmosphere of this great musical occasion from the Royal Albert Hall and brings it to Durban audiences for its 22nd year.

Conducted by the much-loved Richard Cock, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, Durban Symphonic Choir, Durban Girls’ College Choir, Westville Boys’ High School Choir, the KZN Pipes and Drums, the Parker Studio of Celtic Dance and guest soloists: Laura Osorhean (violin), Friedel Mitas (soprano) and three OSCA tenors - Wayne Mkhize, Ndumiso Nyoka and Esewu Nobela - will perform a variety of pieces celebrating the joy of music. This promises to be one of the most fun, classical annual gala events on Durban’s music calendar!

After the interval, the audience can join with their streamers, flags and balloons and sing along with the ever-popular Jerusalem and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance No.1. Adding to the mood will be the KZN Pipes and Drums who will open the second half with the popular Mull of Kintyre - they will also perform in front of the Playhouse entrance steps prior to the concert from 18h15.

The concert is not only a jubilant celebration of music but also a significant commitment to placing music high on Durban’s cultural agenda. The Proms concerts are a springboard for many up and coming young local artists, giving them an opportunity to perform operatic and popular works before a large appreciative audience. The concert thereby makes a meaningful contribution towards developing the wealth of artistic talent in KZN; helping South Africa’s youth to reach their full potential.

The Association sees the Last Night of the Proms as a long-term promotion of the arts in KZN and thanks the Durban public and the KZN Department of Arts and Culture for their valuable support.

Programmes, hats, streamers and flags will be on sale in the foyer before the concert to add to the festive atmosphere. Parking concessions available from the Royal Hotel and the Albany parking garages.

Dress code is smart-casual, and for those who wish to party, the best of British red, white and blue.

Last Night of the Proms takes place in The Playhouse Opera on October 22 at 18h15, with the concert itself at 19h00. Ticket prices range from R100 to R180. Book now for this enormously popular annual British treat at Computicket on 0861-915 8000 or at www.computicket.com For more details contact the BCHA/1820s on 031 202 6174 during office hours.