Orchestra in top form and performed with aplomb, skill and
exhilaration. (Review by Keith Millar)
The concert presented by the Durban City Orchestra at the
Marianhill Monastery Church last Sunday (October 9) was a very classy affair.
Of course, the lovely old church lends itself to an event such as a classical
music concert. The sanctuary, with its wealth of aged timber, archetypal
statues and friezes, and stained glass windows provided a most dramatic
backdrop for the orchestra.
The orchestra members themselves, dressed all in black, and
with the gentlemen’s bright red ties offering a splash of colour, completed the
rather resplendent and elegant scene.
Best of all is that the concert was not only a visually
glamorous, but the orchestra, led by conductor Russell Scott, was in top form
and performed with aplomb, skill and exhilaration.
Starting the proceedings was Italian opera composer,
Giuseppe Verdi’s, grandiose overture to La
Forza Del Destino. After a nervous start the orchestra soon got into its
stride and provided a fine rendition of this intense and dramatic work.
Carl Maria von Weber was a German composer, conductor, pianist
and guitarist, and one of the most
significant composers of the Romantic school. His 1st Clarinet Concerto in F
Minor ranks among one of the most important works for the solo clarinet. It is
a deeply serious, expressive and energetic work which makes the most of all the
complexities the instrument can offer.
The soloist for this work, Brett Alborough, is no stranger
to Durban audiences. His talent and skill has been recognised since his teenage
years, and these attributes certainly came to the fore in his inspired and
exciting interpretation of the piece.
Alborough is now an educator in the music department at
Kearsney College and there is little doubt that the pupils of this school will
benefit greatly from their contact with this fine musician.
The main work at the concert was Antonín Leopold Dvořák
Symphony No 8 in G Major Op88. This exuberant and powerful composition makes
much use of simple folk-like melodies, with a Czech character. It is regarded
by many as the greatest of Dvořák’s nine symphonies. It contains passages of
drama, exhilaration, happiness and nostalgia and has often been described as
“sunny”.
The Durban City Orchestra made the most of this magnificent
work and put in a rousing and entertaining performance.
This DCO deservedly attracted a large audience to this
concert. The support is no more than they deserve, considering the work ethic
and dedication that must be exercised for an “amateur” orchestra to achieve the
level of skill they displayed at this concert.
Durban is truly musically blessed to be the home of not only
the KZNPO but the excellent DCO as well. – Keith Millar
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