KZN PHILHARMONIC EARLY SPRING SEASON 2026

 

Strong women’s presence for Women’s month taking place in the Playhouse Opera at 19h00:

Thurs August 20

Thurs August 27  

Thurs September 3

 

Three spectacular Thursday evenings of masterful music! The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra’s three-concert 2026 Early Spring Season runs in The Playhouse Opera on Thursday August 20 and 27 and September 3, starting at 19h00.

There is a strongly female presence throughout the season, to honour Women’s month – for both August concerts, both conductors and soloists are women.

Bongani Tembe, KZN Philharmonic’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director, says: “We invite our family of music lovers in Durban and across KZN, to join us for our exciting Early Spring Season. The season invites lifelong aficionados and first-time symphony attendees alike to step into the auditorium and experience the unmatched magic of live orchestral music.

“Our distinguished guest artists are set to collaborate with our resident musicians in making music for the delight of our dedicated KZN Philharmonic Orchestra audience. As always, the KZN Phil season forms an intrinsic part of the orchestra’s ongoing school visits, community engagement, and skills transfer programmes, all geared towards reaching out to new-generation artists and audiences alike.”

The season ignites on August 20 under the baton of brilliant Polish conductor Barbara Dragan, whose dynamic podium presence has captivated global audiences. Renowned Russian pianist Zlata Chochieva joins the orchestra to essay the technical challenges of Brahms’s colossal Piano Concerto No. 2 - a work balancing thunderous power with intimate beauty. The evening culminates in a radiant celebration of life with Dvořák’s joyous Symphony No. 8, featuring rich Bohemian folk melodies and a blazing, brass-fuelled finale.

 

On August 27, the visionary maestra Debora Waldman leads an extraordinary evening, which might fancifully be dubbed as Rhythm, Romance, and Radiance. 

Spanning the rich landscapes of Europe, the programme opens with the syncopated rhythms of Kodály’s high-octane Dances of Galánta. Superstar violin virtuoso Lidia Baich then takes centre stage for Bruch’s seductive G Minor Violin Concerto, beguiling listeners through lush, melting melodies. The night concludes with the sweeping grandeur of Sibelius’s Symphony No. 5, famous for its magnificent, life-affirming Swan Hymn.

 

The season’s grand finale takes place on September 3 as distinguished conductor Leon Bosch guides the orchestra through a spectacular closing programme of classical treasures. The night opens with the rollicking operatic flair of Rossini’s Barber of Seville Overture. Next, the globally-acclaimed piano duo of Xin Wang and Florian Koltun take the stage for Mozart’s spirited Concerto for Two Pianos, a sparkling musical chess match. The season concludes on a high plateau with Mozart’s consummate Symphony No. 39, sending audiences out into the night feeling spiritually and emotionally exhilarated.

 

Tickets:

Season Tickets available through KZN Phil office on 031 369 9438 or info@kznphil.org.za and individual tickets through Quicket.

 

For those preferring not to self-drive to the concerts, there is a park and ride bus service offered from major arterial points:

Upper Highway (St Agnes Church, dep 17h50)

North Coast (Grace Family Church, dep 18h10);

Westville (Westville Senior Primary, dep 18h10)

Berea (Caister Lodge, dep 18h20).

Bus tickets through 031 369 9438 or info@kznphil.org.za and individual tickets through Quicket.

 

KZN Philharmonic tickets are available at Quicket outlets. For more information, call 031-369 9438, email info@kznphil.org.za, or visit www.kznphil.org.za

ABAFOSI LIVE RECORDING

 

Witness the powerful debut of Abafosi Abazimele in their first-ever live performance at The Playhouse Company. This spiritual extravaganza brings together music, faith and storytelling in a moving journey through trials, growth and grace.

With rich harmonies, soul-stirring performances and special guests, Abafosi invites audiences into an uplifting atmosphere of healing, reflection and celebration.

Date: August 22, 2026 at 19h00

Venue: Drama Theatre, The Playhouse Company

Tickets: R150 to R300. Booking is at Webtickets

 

A night of powerful harmonies, faith and an unforgettable live experience.

AFRI WOMEN SYNERGY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Curated by Bukelwa Cakata, the Africana Women Synergy Music Festival is a vibrant celebration of African women, music, diversity and inclusion, bringing together talented female artists of African descent in a powerful collaborative performance.

Presented by African Sinakho Arts, the Disability Music Festival creates an inclusive platform for both disabled and able-bodied women from across KwaZulu-Natal to showcase their talent, celebrate their voices and connect through the transformative power of music.

Proudly supported by eThekwini Municipality and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

 

Date: August 28 2026 at 15h00

Venue: Drama Theatre, The Playhouse

Tickets: R100

 

Celebrating African women, extraordinary talent and the power of music to unite people.

SIDE BY SIDE

 

Chelsea Preparatory School and the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra proudly present Side By Side, a youthful and uplifting celebration of music, collaboration and the power of young voices.

Conducted by Chad Hendricks, this special show brings the musicians of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra together with guest soloists and the Chelsea Preparatory School Choir.

Audiences can look forward to two inspiring performances filled with energy, joy and a positive message for the whole family, Chelsea Preparatory School is the venue for the two evening performances on August 21 and 22, at 18h00.

Tickets are available from Quicket or from the Orchestra on info@kznphil.org.za or 031 369 9438

Adults: R120

Pensioners: R100

Children under 12: R80

For enquiries, contact 031 369 9438 or email info@kznphil.org.za

OPERA ACCORDING TO JAZZ: KHUMBU DHLAMINI

 

(Right: Khumbu Dhlamini)

 

Khumbu Dhlamini brings a bold fusion of opera and jazz to the UKZN Jazz Centre.

Soprano and UKZN-trained classical vocalist Khumbu Dhlamini is set to present Opera According to Jazz, a live performance at the UKZN Jazz Centre on Wednesday, August 19 at 17h30.

The concert will explore the meeting point between the disciplined world of opera and the freedom, groove and improvisation of jazz, offering audiences a distinctive musical experience that brings together classical repertoire, African musical influences and jazz interpretation.

Dhlamini, who studied opera and classical music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a focus on vocal technique and musical interpretation, has developed a diverse musical journey through performances locally and abroad. Her exposure to South African traditional music, jazz and other genres has fuelled a musical curiosity that has ultimately led to the development of Opera According to Jazz.

The 90-minute performance will feature well-known classical and African classical melodies, re-arranged through a jazz lens. Dhlamini will explore the spaces where opera and jazz converse — where disciplined vocal lines melt into improvisation and classical melodies are transformed through jazz harmony, rhythm and groove.

The concert also celebrates the legacy and vocal artistry of some of Dhlamini’s favourite South African female vocalists and their ability to move effortlessly between musical genres. Audiences can expect horn-driven harmonies, vibrant grooves, strong rhythmic foundations, improvisation, and a dynamic balance between voice and instrumentation.

The performance is designed to highlight the individual talents of each musician while maintaining a cohesive and distinctive ensemble identity.

Dhlamini on Voice will be joined on stage by an accomplished ensemble of musicians with performance experience across KwaZulu-Natal’s and beyond leading music spaces, Zolile Mqatsha — double bass, pianist tbc, Siyanda Zulu— trumpet, Sbu Ncube — drums

 

Event Details

Event: Opera According to Jazz

Artist: Khumbu Dhlamini

Venue: UKZN Jazz Centre

Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Time: 17h30

 

Tickets R130 (Pensioners: R100, Students: R70)

Tickets are available for cash purchase at the door.

CHAL NAACH – LET'S DANCE!

 

Get ready for an electrifying celebration of dance, culture and diversity as Chal Naach – Let's Dance! brings together some of Durban's finest Indian and African dance companies for a spectacular showcase of movement, creativity and cultural expression.

Featuring Rudra Dance Theatre, ParamAthman Dance Theatre, Kumari Shiksha Dance Institute, Vande Mataram Productions, Nehaal Productions and Isiko La Manje, the production brings different dance traditions together on one stage for an exhilarating display of artistry, passion and talent.

Presented in association with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture's Mzansi Golden Economy and DotDot, this vibrant showcase celebrates the power of dance to connect cultures and communities.

Date: August 28, 2026, at 19h00

Venue: Opera Theatre, The Playhouse Company

Tickets: R180. Booking at Webtickets

 

A spectacular fusion of Indian and African dance, culture and creativity.

 

 

HYMNS ACCORDING TO FISANI

 

Dress in your finest vintage attire and prepare for an uplifting afternoon as Hymns According to Fisani returns for its third annual live recording. 

This special musical experience celebrates powerful hymns written by an African composer, bringing together faith, worship and African musical heritage.

Through soul-stirring hymns and heartfelt performances, audiences are invited into an atmosphere of praise, reflection and spiritual connection.

 

Date: August 22, 2026 at 14h00

Venue: Opera Theatre, The Playhouse Company

Tickets: R350 – R500 – available at Webtickets

 

An afternoon of powerful African hymns, worship and timeless faith.

KZN DANCE FESTIVAL FOR WOMEN

(Right: Some of the dancers and choreographers, with Mandisa Mdlovu (centre in cream top). Pic by Val Adamson)

FREE - The Rehab Women’s Dance Fest - Telling Women’s stories through dance

KZN Dance Festival for Women – this year dubbed as the Rehab Women’s Dance Fest - tells poignant stories of profound human emotion and experiences told through dance in a carefully curated one day FREE dance festival featuring collaborative work of five KZN dance groups, which comes to the Playhouse Theatre on Saturday August 29 at 15h00.

The combined narrative from each piece jointly looks at the complexity and challenges of creating an authentic identity. Finding hope and sisterhood in tales of GBV, human trafficking and abuse. The overall message is upbeat, thoughtful and life affirming.

This project has been put together by Mandisa Ndlovu supported by Lucky Cele in partnership with Ulozolo Youth Organisation. The project is supported by the South African Dance Board a national dance body which is one of the newly-formed clusters created by the minister of Sports Arts and Culture. Through funding from the National Arts Council (NAC), entry is FREE and all dance lovers are welcome.

Entry to the KZN Dance Festival is FREE and all are welcome.

For more information contact 067 942 8310 or email: mandisandlovu1989@gmail.com

 

SHALL WE DANCE?

The annual feel-good dance extravaganza, Shall We Dance returns to razzle and dazzle fans at The Playhouse Opera for five shows only from September 11 to 13, 2026.

The colourful celebration of dance combines over ten styles with vibrant choreography, vivacious costumes, pulsating music and energetic lighting. Shall We Dance is one of the longest-running dance shows in the world and features over 100 amateur dancers from around town.

Returning for their second appearance, international dance stars Egor Kondratenko & Mie Lincke Funch are coming to us hot off the European and Asian competition floor, bring their luscious Latin American steps back to the Playhouse stage. Representing Denmark, the duo has a busy calendar having just finished fifth in Denmark, third in Vietnam and will be taking to the floor for the Grand Slam and German Opens.

This spectacular showcase is the creation of dancers Caryl Cusens and Neville Letard, and is presented by the South African Dance Teachers Association in association with The Playhouse Company.

 

Show times:

Friday September 11 at 19h00

Saturday September 12 at 13h00 and 17h00

Sunday September 13 at 11h00 and 15h00

 

Prices range from R150 to R200

Sunday morning (11h00) - R150 throughout the house

Booking at Webtickets

 

 

CARMEN, THE OPERA, FOR WATERCREST

 

Filmed version of Cape Town Opera production

Watercrest Ster Kinekor: Sunday 23 August at 2.30pm and Tuesday 25 August at 12pm.

Book through Sterkinekor

 

KickstArt’s Steven Stead and Greg King are delighted that an opera production of Carmen, which Stead directed, and King designed for Cape Town Opera in May, has been filmed and is already available to be seen in Durban.

“We are beyond delighted that our local followers can see the production’ said Stead.

Everyone complains that good theatre hardly ever comes to Durban? Well, for a change, Durban has been included in a very special event: a cinema screening of Cape Town Opera’s sumptuous production of Bizet’s opera, Carmen.

What makes this even more special, is that Durban’s KickstArt Theatre was very much involved in the creation of this grand production, with Steven Stead directing, and Greg King designing and building the massive sets. The production has been highly praised in the press for its visual spectacle and its powerful, dramatic story-telling.

Set in 1930s Spain, and featuring a cast of 95 singers, this production, filmed for cinema in HD, promises to thrill audiences across the country.

There will be only two screenings at Watercrest Sterkinekor on Sunday August 23 at 14h30 and Tuesday August 25 at 12h00.

Book through Sterkinekor website:  https://www.sterkinekor.com/f/cape-town-opera-presents-carmen/678?tab=coming-soon-advanced-tickets

 

Watercrest Sterkinekor is located at 141 Inanda Road, Waterfall, Durban.

SON OF NOBODY: REVIEW

 

You don’t have to be a student of the classics to enjoy the ride. (Review by Margaret von Klemperer, courtesy of The Witness)

 

You don’t pick up a book by Yann Martel expecting something linear or straightforward, and Son of Nobody is no exception. Martel won the 2001 Booker Prize for Life of Pi, which I have to confess was not a book I much cared for, but he has made a name for himself as a writer to follow.

Here his central character is Harlow Donne, a Canadian scholar of Ancient Greek who, while working towards his PhD is offered a year’s scholarship to go to Oxford University and study a collection of fragments of papyri (in fact, Martel is making reference to a genuine collection here). If he accepts, it would mean leaving his fracturing marriage and his beloved six-year-old daughter back in Canada while he pursues his dream. So that is exactly what he does.

Harlow soon claims to have discovered that one of fragments he has deciphered is part of a lost epic of the Trojan War, covering much the same ground as Homer’s The Iliad but from a different angle, and telling a rather different tale.

While Homer tells of the exploits of the elite on both sides, what Harlow calls The Psoad deals with the war from the perspective of the common Argive soldier, specifically one Psoas, described as “the son of nobody”. For someone who is shuffling torn and scattered papyrus fragments, Harlow manages to construct an amazingly complete account of the war, and Psoas’s activities during it. And, like Psoas, Harlow is an ordinary man, not one of the Oxford elite who find his efforts ridiculous, not to say fantastical.

Son of Nobody is told through a very unusual way of constructing a work of fiction. Each page is divided horizontally into two: the top half is The Psoad and the bottom half is Harlow’s footnotes to the epic, combined with his own story.

When I started the book, I was unsure if this was going to work – or even be readable. But it is, and The Psoad is intriguing and very entertaining. Like The Iliad, it is full of battles, gore and lists but it is also a rip-roaring tale, and in his footnotes, Harlow explains it to his aptly-named daughter, Helen.

But, as I said, Harlow is also telling his own story, which, like that of the Trojan war, will be full of tragedy. I found this part of the novel less compelling than The Psoad. Harlow is an unappealing character – a failed husband, a failing academic and, ultimately, absent when his child needs him most. But nonetheless, Son of Nobody has its charms and holds the reader’s attention. And, of course, it fits into the current renewed fascination with the works of Homer which is seeing fiction take a look at the invisible characters of his ancient Greece – women and ordinary nobodies. And now film is joining in, with The Odyssey pulling them in at the box office.

You don’t have to be a student of the classics to enjoy the ride. – Margaret von Klemperer

Published by Canongate: ISBN 978-1-83885-908-4

 

MUSIC FOR TRUMPET AND ORGAN

A glorious winter morning concert of movie soundtracks for trumpet and organ will be performed at St Cyprian’s Church on Sunday August 23 at 11h00 featuring Maggie Deppe on organ and Yosuke Matsui, on trumpet.

Something different this time - the programme, titled Music from the Movies – will feature an array of well-known film soundtracks adapted to be performed on organ and trumpet.

Yosuke Matsui is a Yamaha performing artist, and principal trumpet player with the KZN Philharmonic. He holds a master’s degree from Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music. His expertise ranges across various types of trumpets. Margrit Deppe on organ is the co-principal oboe and cor anglais at the KZN Philharmonic. She heads the Durban Chamber Choir, and she teaches piano. She has her BA honours at the University of KZN.

Tickets are R130 / R100 concessions at Quicket in advance, or cash at the door.

There is off-road and guarded parking at the church. Tea and coffee will be served after the concert, and the Vicar’s Arms pub will be open.

St Cyprians is at 603 Umbilo Road, Durban.