Concert in Durban Music
School’s new concert hall a most pleasurable event. (Review by Keith Millar)
The KZN Youth
Orchestra’s Gala Concert, performed at the Durban Music School’s new concert
hall, proved to be a most pleasurable event.
It was without
doubt one of the most enjoyable concerts I have been to for some time. To see
these talented youngsters playing together with such enthusiasm and pleasure
was a heart-warming and joyful experience.
The fact that they
played so well was the cherry on the top.
The 40 piece
orchestra was conducted by their astute mentors, Lykele Temmingh who is
Resident Conductor for the KZNPO, and Cathy Peacock who is a trumpeter with the
KZNPO, and the leader of the marvellous jazz band, Platform Jazz.
The programme
featured an eclectic selection of music which included everything from the
Renaissance and Baroque works through to items from the contemporary classic,
jazz and pop genres.
Being a classical
music fan, my favourites pieces performed were Ancient Airs and Dances by Ottorini Respighi which is from the
Renaissance period, and Bach’s Baroque masterpiece, Sheep May Safely Graze.
Also notable were
Bill Holcombe’s Saxanova which
featured a confident performance young saxophonist Abby McArthur and Quincy
Jones’ Soul Bossa Nova which
highlighted the talents of the exciting drummer Callula Clay-Smith.
The concert was
also enriched by the appearance of guest singers from Crawford North Coast
School. They provided the vocals for Michael Bublé’s Sway, Beautiful by the Parlotones and Miriam Makeba’s iconic Pata Pata.
It takes
considerable dedication along with skill and talent to produce a performance of
this standard. The success of this concert is testament to the effort which has
been made in this regard. The orchestra along with their teachers and their
parents need to be commended for their commitment the KZNYO.
The KZN Youth
Orchestra has recently taken up residence at the Durban Music School. This is a
collaboration which should prove hugely beneficial to both parties. The new
concert hall at the music school is a pleasant and functional venue. Hopefully
we can look forward to many more inspirational performances at this venue.
The KZN youth
Orchestra consists of young musicians ranging from 12 to 23 years of age from
all around KZN.
Auditions will be
held in the last weekend of October at Durban Music School.
Any youngsters wishing to join the orchestra may make an appointment to
audition by emailing members@kznyo.co.za
– Keith Millar
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