GANGS OF BALLET & DCO FOR MUSIC AT THE LAKE

The 2014 season of Old Mutual Music at the Lake kicks off with an explosive love theme – Gangs of Ballet and the Durban City Orchestra join forces for a Valentine’s Day concert at the Durban Botanic Gardens.

This one is for music lovers who want a break from the mainstream; something different, fun and beautiful.

Gangs of Ballet’s music has been described as a blend of new sounds with haunting melodies and arrangements. Add to that the scale and richness of the Durban City Orchestra’s renditions and the resultis the perfect scene to experience the expression of love in new ways.

“This is a mind and soul-blowing collaboration that has challenged our comfort zones,” said Gangs of Ballet lead vocalist and lead guitarist Brad Klynsmith. “We have created some very special music in the process”

Durban City Orchestra chairman Edrich de Lange meanwhile said because love is one of the greatest human drivers and emotions – it has preoccupied artists and poets from time immemorial. “We believe our show presents a different dimension in the expression of love. While our full complement of 45 musicians will stir emotions – it is the live experience with the fans that will make the clouds peel. We cannot wait to share the experience with music lovers”.

To set the scene, they will perform chart toppers from the Gangs of Ballet EP such as Hello Sweet World and Breaking the Silence and their enchanting new single, Daydream, from their recently released debut offering, yes/no/grey.

Romantic hounds are in for another treat. It is the height of summer and the Durban Botanic Gardens is looking its prettiest.

“The Old Mutual Music at the Lake concert series is all about using music to celebrate what nature serves us and with the Gardens displaying its best blooms, the sights and setting will be as special as the music,” said Old Mutual sponsorship manager Bandile Mngoma. “We invite everyone to join us with their loved ones to celebrate nature and love as we start a beautiful year that promises great things.”

Old Mutual’s continued relationship with the Botanic Gardens allows them to ensure that funds are raised to maintain and improve biodiversity at this significant public space.

The Gangs of Ballet and DCO concert will take place on February 14 (Valentine’s Day) at 19:00. Tickets R120 pre sale and R140 on the day. Children between 8-12 will pay R50, children under eight are free. Gates will open at 17h30 for pre-sold tickets - available online at www.webtickets.co.za - and at 18h00 for on-the-day ticket sales. All children are welcome at the KidZone for some extra fun and games. Drinks, cooler boxes and picnic baskets are welcome.

Secure parking is available on the Juventus ground.  Entrance to all parking is off lower John Zikhale (Sydenham) Road, adjacent to the Botanic Gardens and the Munies Hockey Field also off lower John Zikhale (Sydenham) Road.

Follow @OM_Concerts and @dbnbotgardens on Twitter for all the action on the day, and ‘Like’ the Old Mutual Music in the Gardens page on Facebook for all the updates and info.

For more information about this and other events at the Durban Botanic Gardens, visit www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za or call the Info Centre 031 322 4021.