(The KZN Philharmonic
Orchestra)
A multiple celebration will be enjoyed as the sun sets on
November 9 at the Denis Hurley Centre / Emmanuel Cathedral in the heart of
Durban.
The World Religions
in Concert
marks the centenary of Archbishop Hurley’s Birth & the Formal Opening of
Denis Hurley Centre. The spectacular interfaith concert features the KZN
Philharmonic Orchestra and guest soloists.
A one-off spectacular interfaith concert has been created
especially for the auspicious event taking place on the actual day of the
centenary of Hurley’s birth: November 9, 1915. A full programme of supporting
events will take place in the Denis Hurley Centre and Emmanuel Cathedral over
the celebration weekend.
The concert has been thoughtfully created to commemorate
Hurley’s legacy, to celebrate the opening of the DHC and to demonstrate the
role of the faith communities in working together on this project.
The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, which has graciously
supported this project, will be conducted by Naum Rousine. They will be joined
by the Clermont Community and Emmanuel Cathedral Choirs and noted performers
including a Buddhist drumming group from Johannesburg; storyteller Gcina
Mhlophe and her daughter Kwezi Becker; acclaimed opera singers Linda Bukhosini
and Bongani Tembe; violinist and KZNPOs concert master, Joanna Frankel and
opera singer Raphael Vilakazi. They will be joined by children of the six
different faith groups represented in this event. (African Traditional,
Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim).
The concert begins as the sun sets with the traditional
sunset call to prayer from the neighbouring Juma Mosque; with a response from
the church bells; followed by Buddhist and Zulu drums and orchestral pieces of
Jewish and Hindu music; Muslim chanting and Christian and African choral pieces
will all combine to show the richness of Durban’s musical and religious
heritage.
The overture has been composed specially for the occasion
by KZNPO’s John Walton. It is an evocative piece inspired by church bells and
the Muslim call to prayer. The concert rousing grand-finale – to be performed
by the whole company - has been composed by Dawn Selby (music) and Themi
Venturas (lyrics).
The production is directed by Themi Venturas; produced by
Raymond Perrier and Paddy Kearney with technical infrastructure by Selby’s.
The Denis Hurley Centre is a purpose-made new building
alongside Emmanuel Cathedral in the city’s CBD close to the busiest road, rail
and taxi hub in the province. This busy multi-purpose multi-faith facility
promotes extensive outreach, support, feeding and training for the homeless,
unemployed and refugee communities, and provides primary health care as well as
community building programmes in one of the most diverse, challenging and
impoverished neighbourhoods of downtown Durban.
The Centre is the result of years of extensive, committed
and participative fundraising. Although construction of the new centre is
complete, fundraising is still necessary to further equip, staff and resource
the building, and support its myriad innovative projects.
The Denis Hurley Centre is a legacy project honouring
Archbishop Denis Hurley OMI who was bishop and archbishop of Durban from 1947
to 1992. He played a significant role in opposing apartheid and promoting the
vision of a just society.
The World Religions
in Concert
takes place on November 9 at 18h30 for 19h00 in Emmanuel Cathedral. Join the
800 people who will experience this unique event. Safe, guarded parking is
provided. Tickets R130 available from Computicket outlets, telephonically at
0861 915 8000, or online at www.computicket.com
There are limited VIP tickets for R450 which give access
to preferential seating and parking and the Cardinal’s reception immediately
after the concert. Contact Ailsa Windsor of Going Places: 083 250 2690 or concert@denishurleycentre.org.
For more info on the DHC and for the full centenary
programme: contact Raymond Perrier on raymond@denishurleycentre.org or 0765
702 497.
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