(Conductor
Charles Dutoit. Pic by Lawrence K. Ho-Los Angeles Times)
This year, the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra
celebrates its 30th anniversary.
From its opening concert featuring Ukuzalwa by Malcolm Forsyth in the
Pietermaritzburg City Hall in 1983, the KZNPO has gone from strength to
strength. It is widely considered to be the finest orchestra on the African
continent and it has hosted an impressive line-up of international conductors
and soloists, offering Durban music lovers a musical feast par excellence.
With the current Symphony Season series of
concerts underway, the KZN proudly hosts the visit of the Royal Concertgebouw
Orchestra, rated by Gramophone magazine as the World’s greatest orchestra.
This World Tour, hosted in South Africa by
the KZNPO, celebrates the RCO’s 125th anniversary which makes its association
with the KZNPO a fitting double anniversary celebration. The concert, on March
10, will represent the RCO’s first concert in Africa.
Jan Raes, Managing Director of the RCO said:
“We are delighted to be hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in
South Africa, on our World Tour in celebration of 125 years. How appropriate
that the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, which has a reputation for achieving
and delivering the highest level of quality at every performance, should be
partnering with an orchestra whose quest for excellence and innovation has
enabled them to be the first orchestra in South Africa’s democratic
dispensation to distinguish themselves with a thirty year record. For the RCO, every performance is another
opportunity to let listeners hear the unhearable, feel the unfeelable and touch
the untouchable. That’s when magic happens and a concert becomes a truly
unforgettable experience. We look forward to delighting South African music
lovers.”
The concert on March 10 will be conducted
by Charles Dutoit with soloist Janine Jansen performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto,
op 35. Other works on the programme will be Wagenaar’s Overture Cyrano de Bergerac op.23 and the Brahms
Symphony No.1 op 68.
“It is a privilege to host undoubtedly one
of the best orchestras in the world on their first tour of South Africa,” says Bongani
Tembe, KZNPO Chief Executive and Artistic Director. “The Royal Concertgebouw
Orchestra will perform in Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria, whilst also
participating in educational/community related work in Soweto and Umlazi
township. This is sure to have a lasting impact on all who come into contact
with this exceptional group of musicians.”
The concert takes place on March 10 at
19h00 in the Durban City Hall. Booking is at Computicket. More information on
031 369 9438 or click on the KZNPO advert at the top of this page.
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