ACCLAIMED UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

 

(SMTD_USO_Concert_Kiesler_BrendaAhearnPhoto3_September2024)

Soloists set to shine in the company of acclaimed University Of Michigan Symphony Orchestra.

A stellar line-up of soloists will bring additional shine to the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, when they visit South Africa in May 2025.

Under the auspices of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, The UFO serves as a training ground for gifted young musicians, many of whom go on to significant careers in major symphony orchestras, opera houses, and chamber music ensembles and as leading educators.

(Right: Daniel A. Washington)

Under the baton of Kenneth Kiesler, who has been at the helm of The University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra (USO) as its music director and conductor, since 1995, the USO is considered one of the world’s finest student orchestras.

Soloists for the tour will include renowned bass-baritone and tenured Professor of Music at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Daniel A. Washington, 2025 Grammy award-winner soprano, Karen Slack and South Africa’s own star soprano, Goitsemang Lehobye.

(Left: Soloist Goitsemang Lehobye)

 Audiences are in for a treat, as the tour takes the UFO across the country - from the University of Pretoria, to Soweto and Jozi, before moving on to Stellenbosch and the Cape Town City Hall for its final performance.

The University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Kenneth Kiesler, delivers an absolutely professional performance on this CD—listeners would never guess that it is a student ensemble. All the musicians are technically superb, and their ensemble playing is flawless.

 Additionally, there is a youthful vitality and energy throughout the entire disc. Kenneth Kiesler not only confidently "masters" his performers but also works masterfully with orchestral colours, which is particularly appreciated in places where Kaprálová drew inspiration from musical impressionism. Věroslav Němec, Prosinec & Harmonie 2022

(Right: Karen Slack, soloist)

 TOUR ITINERARY:

 Wednesday May 21, 2025, 19:00

CONCERT I: Aula, University of Pretoria

 

 Friday May 23, 2025, 19:00

CONCERT II: Regina Mundi Church, Soweto

 

 Saturday May 24, 2025, 16:00

CONCERT III: Linder Auditorium, University of the Witwatersrand/JCE, Johannesburg

 

 Monday May 26, 2025, 19:00

CONCERT IV: Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, Parow, W Cape

 

 Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 19:30        

CONCERT V: Cape Town City Hall

 

This tour is brought to South Africa by Classical Movements, the premier concert tour company for the world’s great orchestras and choirs and the power behind the ihlombe Choral Festival, the biggest international choral gathering in South Africa, as well as Tours for the Minnesota Orchestra, the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and many others. Classical Movements creates meaningful cultural experiences through music in 147 countries.

 

Programme For The University Of Michigan Symphony Orchestra

Bernstein On the Waterfront Suite

Gershwin Porgy and Bess

Summertime (opening of the opera w/cut to beginning of the aria) (Goitsemang Lehobye)

I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’ (Daniel Washington)

My Man’s Gone Now  (Karen Slack)

Bess, You Is My Woman Now (Daniel Washington and Karen Slack)  

-           Intermission  -

William Dawson Negro Folk Symphony

Carl Davis, arr. Deep River (Daniel Washington)

Hale Smith, arr. Witness (K. Slack and G. Lehobye)

Sidumo Nyamezele Bawo Thixo Somandla (a capella)

Plea for Africa (Goitsemang Lehobye, with K.Slack and D.Washington)  

 

For more information and to book tickets visit: http://www.classicalmovements.com/umso-sa-tour/ or Quicket  www.quicket.co.za