Exciting and glorious collaboration of extremely talented
young performers. (Review by Keith Millar)
Durban Girls College was the place to be last Saturday
evening when the School’s Music Department hosted the KZN Youth Orchestra
and the Drakensberg Boys Choir in a rousing concert of marvellous music.
There was some serious talent on show as all the young folk
who were involved performed with, exuberance, panache and elation. The result
was a magical evening of heart-warming and inspirational entertainment that
will be long remembered by the appreciative audience.
The concert started with a performance by the DGC Marimba
Band conducted by Calvin Human. The girls played with infectious energy and
enthusiasm and set the tone for what was to follow.
Durban Girls College has a history of producing outstanding
choirs under the tutorship of the Head of the Music Department at the School,
Ronel Perks. The 2016 vintage is no different, producing a soaring performance
of American Pie and Mr Bojangles. Soloist Sarah Kitching was
excellent in singing Linda Perry’s What’s
Up.
The Drakensberg Boys Choir, conducted by Charlotte Botha,
showed why they have such an impressive international reputation with a
performance of considerable class.The influence of the School’s Musical
Director, Bernard Kruger, who has won several gold medals at the Choir Olympics
with the Kearsney High School, is apparent in the style of performance the
Drakies delivered.
After interval, the audience were treated to a performance
by the DSG Orchestra which was conducted Cathy Peacock. This is a very skilled
and well-rehearsed ensemble and no less than 13 of their members are part of
the KZN Youth Orchestra.
The KZN Youth Orchestra is conducted by the KZNPO resident
conductor Lyk Temmingh. He has excellent rapport with the young players and
always seems to get a first-rate performance from them. They presented an
enjoyable mix of light classical music and lighter items.
The KZN Youth Orchestra was then joined on stage by the
Drakensberg Boys Choir and the choir and orchestra of DGC for a performance of
an eclectic selection of wonderful songs. Amongst others we heard Sway, Tequila, Viva la Vida, New York New
York and Pata Pata.
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