As South Africa continues to celebrate Women’s Month and pay tribute to the remarkable women of the country, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra invites music lovers to join them on At home with the KZN Phil as they present an audio recording of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No 4, performed by Nina Schumann, with the KZN Phil’s sister orchestra, The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO), under the baton of maestro Bernhard Gueller. This recording has been taken from the JPO archives and was recorded during the 2003 Winter Season.
“After challenges that would have daunted the most intrepid, Nina Schumann has re-launched her career as a solo pianist and teacher after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease three years ago, following a bout with breast cancer. We applaud her for her courage and determination,” says Bongani Tembe, CEO and Artistic director of the KZNPO.
“Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No 4 was one of the composer’s major works and the last of his piano concerti. Following its unsuccessful première in 1927, Rachmaninoff made changes and amendments before republishing the third and final version in 1941.
“We hope you enjoy listening to the recording of this epic composition, which is filled with melancholy, fury, introspection and sweetness, Tembe adds.
Schumann, who comes from a musical family, is one of South Africa’s foremost pianists. She never doubted she would be a musician. She explains:“It was just something that felt like a given. I started violin at the age of two and piano three years later. My four sisters and I all played at least two instruments. My mother was the main catalyst and she ran a tight ship in terms of practicing schedules and lessons. We gave a number of concerts as a family, something I absolutely adored”.
A Yamaha International Artist since 2014, Schumann made her debut with the CAPAB orchestra at the age of 15 and has won all the major South African prizes and scholarships and several internationally. Apart from juggling her performing career, practising and motherhood, she co-founded the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival and also teaches.
Music Director Laureate of Symphony Nova Scotia in Canada and principal guest conductor of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Bernhard Gueller continues to be acclaimed for his profound interpretations and the tension, excitement and drama he brings to the podium. “He is a favoured conductor of both of players and audiences, undoubtedly because of his carefully prepared but always musically rewarding performances”. He is acclaimed by musicians, critics and audiences for his musical purity, and continually garners praise for the fresh approach he applies.
Listen to the performance conducted by Bernhard Gueller here:
https://youtu.be/cwDXQCU6C74
Your Donation Counts!Together with the World Symphony Series, the KZNPO also undertakes a comprehensive education, development and community engagement programme which exposes more than 30,000 urban and township learners to educational music concerts. Without the support of those who share their love for music and commitment to being an essential resource for the people of South Africa, the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra would be hard-pressed to achieve its mission. It is are a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) with SARS.
EFT DETAILS:
KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra
FNB: Durban Main Branch
Branch Code: 221426
Current Acc No: 62001363689
(To link direct to the KZN Philharmonic’s website click on the orchestra’s banner advert on the top of the page or visit kznphil.org.za)
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