The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra will share a fun and inspiring recording of the KZNPO, which recently participated in the “Reignite Durban” event, by adding a classical touch to the ever-popular Jerusalema Challenge. Architectural lighting was used to showcase some of Durban’s iconic buildings and sites which is part of the launch of the Re-ignite Durban campaign. This symbolic ceremony depicted the reigniting of the tourism sector as well as the celebration of World Tourism Day on September 27, 2020.
“eThekwini Deputy Mayor, Councillor Belinda Scott performed the official countdown to the opening of the Re-Ignite Durban campaign which saw the lighting up of the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra together with DJ Tira, Prince Bulo and the Rudra Dance Academy, were part of the line-up of activity which had been planned for this special launch event.
The song, Jerusalema, which has taken the world by storm, had guests dancing to the catchy rhythm from this iconic South African song that was originally penned by South African DJ and record producer Master KG featuring South African vocalist Nomcebo. The orchestral rendition of this upbeat gospel-influenced house song, which was arranged by Eddie Clayton, demonstrates the versatility of the Orchestra in adapting to different styles of music, and we believe that it will continue to garner a positive response online,” says Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the KZNPO.
Watch the performance of Jerusalema performed by the KZN Philharmonic at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_bi4KX95Lo&feature=youtu.be
Other iconic buildings and sites which were part of the Re-ignite Durban campaign were Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Moses Mabhida Stadium, uShaka Marine World, the Hilton Hotel, Durban City Hall, The Cube, the Oyster Box, Ohlange Institute, the Beverly Hills Hotel, uMhlanga Pier, uMlazi statues and Gordon Park, to name a few. The message behind the Re-ignite Durban campaign is that the City is ready to do business and host visitors, whilst still observing all COVID-19 safety regulations.
“We also present the audio recording of Shostakovich’s Festive Overture in A Major, performed by our sister orchestra, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra at the Linder Auditorium. This lively and up-tempo piece was recorded in March 2006, under the baton of Maestro Arjan Tien. We hope that the music lights up your spirits!,” adds Tembe.
Shostakovich was a Soviet-Russian composer and pianist, and is regarded as one of the major composers of the 20th century, with a unique harmonic language and a historic importance due to his years of work under Stalin.
Shostakovich achieved fame in the Soviet Union under the patronage of Soviet chief of staff Mikhail Tukhachevsky, but later had a complex and difficult relationship with the government. Nevertheless, he received accolades and state awards and served in the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR (1947) and the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union from 1962 until his death.
Shostakovich's orchestral works include 15 symphonies and six concerti. His chamber output includes 15 string quartets, a piano quintet, two piano trios, and two pieces for string octet. His solo piano works include two sonatas, an early set of preludes, and a later set of 24 preludes and fugues. Other works include three operas, several song cycles, ballets, and a substantial quantity of film music.
Arjan Tien was initially a violinist and viola player. He graduated with distinction as a performing musician in 1994. As a viola player, he was principal of the violas in the National Youth Orchestra. From 1992 to 2005, he was a viola player in the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. Tien studied orchestral conducting with George Hurst and Roberto Benzi.
From the 2006/2007 season, Tien has been chief conductor of the Magogo Chamber Orchestra in Tilburg. In 1998, he conducted the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in Durban for the first time and has since then regularly conducted productions with the KZNPO and with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Tien has also given concerts in Brazil, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Austria, Slovenia, Turkey, Sweden and Switzerland.
Since 2017, Tien has been chief conductor and artistic director of the Marine Band of the Royal Navy and is principal subject teacher of orchestral conducting at the Fontys School of the Arts in Tilburg.
Your Donation Counts!
Together with the World Symphony Series,
the Orchestra 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 our 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. The KZNPO is 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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