(The
KZN Philharmonic performing in Paris)
A balmy Thursday evening on Place de la
Republique in Paris was the perfect setting for a magnificent International
Nelson Mandela Day concert performed by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic
Orchestra from Durban on July 18.
As part of the South Africa France Season
2012-2013, the Paris Quartier d’ete Festival invited the KZN Philharmonic to
present a concert promoting 67 minutes of selfless service in honour of Nelson
Mandela, whilst also celebrating the former President’s 95th birthday.
The people of Paris embraced the
significance of this inspirational concert with standing ovations and lasting
applause. The orchestra performed excerpts from uShaka KaSenzangakhona accompanied by the Clermont Community Choir
(also from Durban) and praise poet Melusi Kubheka. The poignancy of
International Nelson Mandela Day was uppermost as the superb individual voices
of soloists Nozuko Teto (soprano), Aubrey Lodewyk (baritone) and Derek Ellis
(tenor) accompanied the Orchestra’s rendition of excerpts from the Mandela Trilogy.
In the concert’s opening speeches,
Commissioners General of the France South Africa Season, Laurent Clavel
(France) and Bongani Tembe (South Africa) acknowledged how much the Season has
done to enrich a lasting partnership between the two countries. This was
clearly obvious as guest star, world famous South African Yvonne Chaka Chaka,
brought the audience to its feet with the Ipi
Ntombi Medley and African Suite,
supported by the excellence of the Orchestra and the choir in full voice.
After a series of encores the South African
national anthem closed the concert, a fitting tribute to elder statesman,
Nelson Mandela, who led South Africa to democratic freedom.
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