(Dr
Thokozani Mhlambi. Pic by Val Adamson)
Internationally acclaimed KZN-born
composer, cellist and academic, Dr Thokozani Mhlambi is presenting a series of
special one-off Durban concerts and events for Heritage Month, embracing
multiple genres and influences - from Beethoven to Mazisi Kunene - in and
around Durban from September 27 to 30, 2017
He will be using different media and
multi-cultural musicians to creatively explore new South African music idioms
through new music, electronic soundscapes, spoken word and orchestra works. He
has assembled around him an ensemble of like-minded music makers from KZN, UK,
Italy and Peru.
Mhlambi, who plays a custom-designed,
handmade Baroque cello with gut strings, creates innovative new work drawn from
the rich heritage of KZN, while still asserting global standards of quality
music-making.
Events take place as follows:
September 28 at 18h30 for 19h00: Playhouse
Loft. Opening Cocktail Function and Concert. Zulu Songcycle with Dr Thokozani
Mhlambi. Sponsored by Remy Martin. Tickets R150 booked through
Computicket or Playhouse boxoffice.
September 29 at 18h00: Botho Pan African
Arts Festival at Wushwini Pan African Centre. In Conversation with Joao
Orecchia with Dr Thokozani Mhlambi and Sound Experiment, featuring
Peru/Johannesburg composer Joao Orecchia with Dr Thokozani Mhlambi. Tickets R20
at the door. For more information contact Phila Majola on 072 520 5093 or email
phila@wushwini.co.za.
September 30 at 17h00: Closing Concert. Mazisi
Kunene Museum, Glenwood. Extract from one of Mazisi Kunene Epic Poems, set for
five-piece Orchestral Ensemble featuring Marco Marazzi on viola, Simon Milliken
on double bass, Roberto Palma on violin, Maxine Matthews on saxophone and
Nobuntu Mqulwana on vocals. Entry is free and all are welcome but seating is
limited, so please reserve your place on 031 205 2912.