The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra,
widely regarded as Africa’s premier orchestra, is celebrating the France South
Africa Season 2013 by touring to France.
Intrinsic to the ethos of the Orchestra is
their commitment to excellence, innovation and community engagement.
The South African Season in France, under
the patronage of President Jacob Zuma and President François Hollande, and led
by the national Department of Arts and Culture, is a tribute to the struggle
for freedom and choice of reconciliation over racial division. From May to
December, 2013, the French public has an opportunity to appreciate South Africa
today – a young thriving democracy that continues to heal the wounds of past
oppression and every day consolidates its position among the emerging
countries. The Season, consisting of 240 projects happening in more than 100
cities across France, features more than 1,000 South Africans. These
participants represent a broad range of categories including arts, culture,
sport, education, economy, gastronomy, tourism, business and many more.
Bongani Tembe, Artistic Director and Chief
Executive of the KZN Philharmonic, said: ‘One of the joys of being South
African is the celebration of diversity in our country. It portrays our ability
to accept and grow from the differences amongst our fellow country folk and to
find the common threads that unify us. The Orchestra’s tour to France
demonstrates the power of music to bring nations together to enjoy themselves,
whilst branding our city, our province and our country positively around the
world.’
The Orchestra’s first stop is in Marseille
to participate in Le Festival Musique
Interdites. On July 11, in the landmark Prefecture inner court, they
perform an adaptation of Meyerowitz’s opera The
Barrier versus Le Mulatre. Frenchman Nicolas Cavallier sings the lead role
of Captain Norwood with South Africans Kelebogile Boikanyo, Nobulumko Mngxekeza
(both sopranos), Mandisinde Mbuyazwe and Aubrey Lodewyk (baritones) in
supporting roles. Tickets are available on Francebillet.com.
Also at the Prefecture, on July 13, the KZN
Philharmonic presents a free community concert themed around humankind and
representing various parts of the world and its civilisations. It opens with
Aaron Copeland’s Fanfare for the Common
Man and includes excerpts of traditional and classical pieces, as well as
opera pieces and an African drummer. The soloists are Aubrey Lodewyk, Derick
Ellis and Nozuko Teto. Johan Farjot will be at the podium for both concerts. He
also conducted the closing ceremony concert in the Durban City Hall of the
France South Africa Season 2012.
The orchestra then moves to Paris for the
memorable concert on Place de la Republique on July 18 at 21.45 – the Nelson
Mandela International Day Concert – forming part of the Paris Quartier d’ete.
Conducted by Laurent Petitgirard and with praise poet Melusi Kubheka, the
programme features the overture and other excerpts from Ushaka KaSenzangakhona composed by Milikazi Khumalo as well as
excerpts from P L van Dijk’s Mandela
Trilogy. Yvonne Chaka Chaka makes a special appearance and the Clermont
Community Choir from Durban provides the choral components. Also featured in
the programme are Verdi’s La Forza del
Destino Overture, Ipi Ntombi Medley and African
Suite. This free concert will last for 67 minutes – one minute for every
year of Mr. Mandela’s public service – and is a gesture of solidarity with
humanity and a step towards inspiring change in honour of Mr Mandela.
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