(Bongani Tembe, the
KZN Philharmonic’s Artistic Director and CEO, celebrates his 20th
anniversary with the orchestra on October 23)
At the end of August the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra brings
the Durban City Hall to life with the first of its eight Spring Season
concerts.
A key feature of this season is the return to South Africa
of globally renowned violinist Shlomo Mintz after a 15-year absence. He will
perform Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto at the opening concert on August 28.
For those who love choral works, there are two major treats
in store: the Heritage concert on September 25 to celebrate 20 years of freedom
in South Africa - with no less than seven choirs making up a massive combined
choir; then the final concert of the season on October 23 to be conducted by
Justus Franz and in celebration of Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Bongani
Tembe’s 20 years at the helm of the Orchestra, with Orff’s Carmina Burana.
Commenting on the Spring season, Tembe said: “A vital
element of our mission is to contribute to an improved quality of life for all
South Africans by presenting concerts of a high calibre and by utilizing music to bring diverse communities together
which helps to promote social cohesion in our beloved South Africa.”
One of Durban audiences’ favourite soloists, South African
pianist Ben Schoeman, performs Sain-Saëns’ Piano Concert No 5, also known as
the Egyptian on September 4 and the September
18 concert features the National Youth Concerto Festival, under the baton of
resident conductor Lyk Temmingh, which showcases the crème-de-la-crème of young
South African soloists, each performing a concerto with the full orchestra.
Amongst the international soloists are David Salleras
(saxophone) and Olivier Patey (clarinet) whilst the KZN Philharmonic’s concert
master, American Joanna Frankel, will perform Brahms’ Violin Concerto, Op. 77
in D major on October 2.
The season of eight Thursday night concerts in the Durban
City Hall runs from August 28 to October 23 (excluding October 16). By booking for the full season one becomes a
subscriber and achieves a 25 percent discount in price from booking individual
concerts. Pensioner subscribers get 30
percent off.
Before each concert, music lovers can attend a 45 minute
lecture in the Playhouse Alhambra Room which offers a deeper understanding of
the music to be heard in the concert. Refreshments and light snacks may be
purchased in the foyers of the Playhouse and the City Hall before and after the
talk.
Added to the excitement of the eveningnd the cherry on the
cake is the free performance by the KZN Youth Wind Band, on Church Walk outside
the City Hall, before the concerts on …
Booking is through Computicket (single tickets) or by
calling the KZN Philharmonic’s booking office on 031 369 9404 or e-mail bookings@kznphil.org.za (season
tickets for subscribers).
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