(The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra. Pic by Val
Adamson)
An
impressive line up of phenomenal eclectic music – from Ladysmith Black Mambazo
to Beatenberg; Platform Jazz to Nibs van der Spuy; and the KZN Philharmonic to
Seb Goldswain – is on the programme for the second Michaelhouse Music Festival over the weekend of April 22 to 24.
Following
an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response in 2015, the weekend programme has been
thoughtfully-curated to offer a smorgasbord of world-class music to cater for a
myriad music lovers who can enjoy the best of
South African pop, choral, acoustic, jazz and classical music in the tranquil
setting of Balgowan.
The packed
programme will coincide with the School's Old Boys' Day celebrations: an
occasion which traditionally attracts visitors from around the globe to spend
the weekend in the beautiful Balgowan valley.
A major
coup for a festival is the event's opening act: a-cappella
giants, multi-Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who will be jetting
in from a tour of North America, the Caribbean and Australasia to entertain the
audience in the Midlands.
Greg
Theron, Rector of Michaelhouse said: “We are absolutely delighted to have the
harmonious talents of one of South Africa’s best known and loved music acts not
only performing but opening the festival for us. I believe the array of music
we have over the three days offers something for everyone. For the young or
old, or hip and happening to classical or jazz lover, we have it!”
The second
day kicks off with not only a wonderful line up of music, but also a full set
of winter sports fixtures against old rival, Maritzburg College.
Opening
the music festival on Saturday are Abri Venter, William Silk and Audrey Mbuyazi
with a Musical Extravaganza; a show highlighting music from musicals, films and
much-loved songs in the Music School.
Hannes
Ebersohn and David Orr perform works by Bach, Franck and Hurford with their
organ recital in the Chapel. All the way from Newcastle, the Newcastle Brass
Band will get the feet tapping as the razzmatazz sounds of the Marching Band
performs ahead of the first team’s kick off. As the sun sets, catch the
delectable Platform Jazz in the main theatre. Phenomenally talented guitar
virtuoso Seb Goldswain takes to the stage and audiences can look forward to the
hugely popular pop group, Beatenberg: the Cape Town-based band who have had
huge success with the chart-topping tracks of Pluto, Beauty like a Tightened Bow, Rafael and Chelsea Blakemore, the trio will be performing in the Indoor
Centre.
Slowing
things down for a Sunday, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet and
Wind Quintet get things off to a leisurely start in the morning in the theatre
foyer. A concert of works by Italian Baroque
composer, Vivaldi, features KZN Midlands Youth Choir, the KZN
Philharmonic Ensemble, and soloists Leandros Stravrou (guitar) and Nic Forster
(violin) in a programme which features Vivaldi’s Guitar Concerto, Violin Concerto
and Gloria in the chapel.
Also in
the chapel is Autumn Voices, a heavenly overload of choral voices as the KZN
Midlands Youth Choir accompanies the Michaelhouse Chapel, Clifton Nottingham
Road and Newcastle’s Ferrum High School. Also in the chapel is The Dance with Lara Kirsten and Morné
Van Heerden - a piano and clarinet concert performing an eclectically vibrant
and sensual feast of music from Hungary, Argentina and Poland.
The KZN
Philharmonic under the baton of Maestro Richard Cock, alongside Michaelhouse’s
William Silk, will perform a feast of global sounds in Round the World in 80 Minutes.
Wrapping
it all up, the internationally-renowned duo of Guy Buttery and Nibs van der
Spuy are the cherry on top of an incredible weekend of music in the Midlands.
The Michaelhouse Music Festival is well on
its way to establishing itself as a Red Letter Day in every lover of music's
calendar and can be enjoyed from April 22 to 24.
Bookings: www.tickethut.co.za/michaelhouse/
For
more information email musicfestival@michaelhouse.org or visit the event’s Facebook page.
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