POWER AND PLAY FOR TIME OF THE WRITER

 

Power and Play takes centre-stage at the 29th Time of the Writer festival which takes place from March 23 to 28, 2026.

The Centre for Creative Arts has announced its programme for the 29th edition of the Time of the Writer festival, an annual meeting ground of South Africa’s leading and newly published authors to engage with the public in a vibrant cultural immersion programme where literature is celebrated, showcased and discussed.

Ismail Mahomed, the Director of the Centre for Creative Arts, says: “There couldn’t be a better meeting ground than in Durban – one of two cities on the African continent which enjoy the elevated status of a UNESCO City of Literature. The festival is presented both online and as an embodied live event at the KZNSA Gallery featuring a total of 80 writers in conversation about both their books and the subjects that they write about.”

Headlining this year’s festival opening is award-winning author and journalist Fred Khumalo in conversation with esteemed authors and thought-leaders, Njabulo Ndebele and Antjie Krog. In a separate event, Khumalo will also be in conversation with Mike Nicol in a celebration of their vast writing journeys from the days of Staffrider to logging some of the biggest news stories and publishing best-selling fiction producing decades of writing full of grit, talent and passion.

Festival curator, Shafinaaz Hassim, says , “The Centre for Creative Arts sets the space for authors and other thought-leaders to engage with how literature interrogates the festival theme, Ink-stitutions of Power, through memoir, political writing, fiction and social documentation which carries history and shapes the future of thought”.

Popular commentator, Ebrahim Fakir, will take an in-depth look at how state capture through political and government corruption has eaten away at progress in South Africa in a conversation with investigative journalists, Micah Reddy, Jeff Wicks and member of parliament-turned author, Andile Mnqxitama. Political analyst Angelo Fick will moderate a discussion with academics and writers, Imraan Buccus, Marzia Milazzo and Hlonipha Mokoena on the impact of colonization on race relationships and how it continues to influence the political arena.

The festival programme is equally balanced with delightful conversations about romance and a window into writing as a theatre of words. It will include book launches, creative writing workshops, outreach visits by authors to community venues and a dedicated Children’s festival programme. The festival takes place live at the KZNSA Gallery in Durban and online from March 23 to 28, 2026.

The festival schedule can be viewed at https://tow.ukzn.ac.za/29th-online/

Online events are free. The 29th edition of the Time of the Writer festival is supported by the University of KwaZulu-Natal, National Arts Council of South Africa and the KZN Department of Sport, Arts & Culture. Festival partners include the Wits Writing Centre, DALRO, ATKV and Norwegian Literature Abroad (NORLA) programme.

 

About The Centre For Creative Arts:

The 30-year Centre for Creative Arts is a multi-disciplinary cultural hub in the School of Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The Centre is renowned for presenting five of South Africa’s leading arts festivals – the Time of the Writer festival (29 years), JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Festival (28 years), Durban International film Festival (46 years), Poetry Africa (30 years) and the Artfluence Human Rights Festival (5 years). The Centre for Creative Arts is also host of the 5th World Slam Poetry Competition which will present 40 slam poets from forty nations competing for the global title in Durban during October 2026.

 

About The Curator:

Shafinaaz Hassim is an multi award-winning author and sociologist. Her more than 18 titles have received international and local acclaim. In 2014, she was listed by UNESCO as one of the top 39 writers in Africa under the age of 40. Her novels have been commended by the SALA and NIHSS awards and the UJ Prize for Creative Writing. She is also the author of the five-book Nisa Qamar series for young adults, which has been shortlisted twice for the Minara Aziz Hassim Literary Awards and the prestigious Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature 2019. Her novel Darlings of Durban received noteworthy accolade. Kimya Writes is her latest series. Hassim presents a popular book review show called BookBytes, showcasing cutting edge writing from local and international authors. She brings her varied industry expertise to the curation of Time of the Writer Festival.

 

To connect to the Centre for Creative Arts website, click on the logo advert to the right of this article.

 

KZNPO FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Sunday Sinfonia - Woodwinds edition: April 12 at 15h00

Eight KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra musicians will perform a programme that highlights the remarkable range and character of the flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon through a selection of elegant and colourful 19th- and 20th-century works. Under the baton of president conductor Chad Hendricks, the concert features Donizetti’s Sinfonia for Winds, the richly-textured Wind Octet by Carl Reinecke, Charles Gounod’s beloved Petite Symphonie, and Malcolm Arnold’s lively and evocative Three Shanties, inspired by traditional sea songs.

Performed in the intimate setting of St Thomas Anglican Church on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 15h00, this chamber-style concert offers audiences the opportunity to hear the distinctive voices of the orchestra’s wind players up close and enjoy lyrical melodies and sparkling ensemble interplay.

Join up to experience the expressive beauty and brilliance of the woodwind ensemble - A perfect Sunday afternoon musical escape for both seasoned classical listeners and those discovering chamber music for the first time.

Tickets: Quicket

 

Mandisi Dyantyis with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra - 29 & 30 May

Take the beautiful compositions of Mandisi Dyantyis, add his powerful voice with his regular band and singers, and then, add a Symphonic Orchestra! Mandisi Dyantyis, in collaboration with Real Wired Music present Symphonic Celebration at the beautiful Playhouse Theatre Opera House.

The arrangements have been exquisitely orchestrated, and some of Mandisi's most beautiful songs have been elevated to another level. Compositions from Cwaka, Somandla and Intlambululu will feature in the night's repertoire.

The last few shows he played at The Playhouse were all SOLD OUT, so don't even think about hesitating to get your tickets!

 

KZNPO SUMMER SEASON

CONCERT 1: JUNE 11 at 19h00, PLAYHOUSE

Conductor: Daniel Boico

Soloist:  Elvin Ganiyev, violin

Beethoven: Egmont Overture

Dvořák: Violin Concerto, Op. 53 in a minor

Brahms: Symphony No. 3, Op. 90 in F Major

 

CONCERT 2: JUNE 18 at 19h00, PLAYHOUSE

Conductor: Alexandra Arrieche

Soloist: Federico Colli, piano

Curtain Raiser performed by the KZN Youth Orchestra:

Schumann: Piano Concerto, Op. 54

Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3, “Scottish”

 

The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra is a not-for-profit company and a public benefit organisation with a committed board of directors consisting of prominent business people and community leaders.

The Orchestra is chaired by business luminary, Dr Sipho Nkosi, and ably led for more than 25 years by Mr Bongani Tembe, an accomplished Juilliard School-trained singer and distinguished arts manager. Mr Tembe’s strong vision fosters high artistic values and a commitment to engaging with the diverse communities of South Africa.

A comprehensive education, development and community engagement programme exposes more than 28,000 urban and township learners per year to music educational concerts, whilst the Orchestra also spends part of the year in the rural areas working with local schools and communities. In addition, the Orchestra presents its flagship World Symphony Series (WSS), which features four seasons of symphony concerts at the Playhouse Opera Theatre.

For more information contact www.kznphil.org.za or phone 031 369 9438

 

To visit the KZNPO’s website, click on the advert at the top right-hand side of this article.

MITH LINEUP MARCH 25, 2026

 

(Left: Ryan Jones)

 

Where else can you meet with friends and enjoy top South African music in a beautiful setting, with roaring fires, hearty food and a cash bar – all for just R50?

 

Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Entrance: R50. (cash or Zapper at the door)

Info: 082 331 7271

 

Join the KZN Midlands Live Shows WhatsApp Group for updates on live shows across the Midlands: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IBdaSGVPA5oLbedRwPoFn9

 

20h40 – Ryan Jones

Ryan Jones is a singer-songwriter whose sound is rooted in Indie Folk with shades of Americana, Blues, Soft Rock and Pop Folk. Ryan writes authentic, real, heartfelt songs and he strives to share positivity and light with others through his music and story, he aims to make a connection with listeners, making them feel welcome, heard, felt and wanted.

Ryan draws inspiration from the everyday ups and downs of life, the beauty in stillness and chaos, all things light and dark, whether it be from his own personal experience or a fabric from his imagination, for Ryan music is a means to form connection amongst each other; with the earth we walk on and everything in between and beyond.

Ryan performs his original music along with a curated selection of covers. He draws inspiration from artists such as Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, Ziggy Alberts, Jeremy Loops and Donovan Frankenreiter, to name a few. Catch Ryan Jones on his 'Home' Tour for an intimate evening of Indie Folk Americana Music. Come for the songs, stay for the stories.

 

19h40 – Six String Syndicate

Six String Syndicate is the acoustic duo of Charles Webster and Chris Dust, whose collaboration began at an open mic night in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Charles was immediately struck by Chris’s voice and guitar style, sensing that together they could create a dynamic, harmonious sound. Chris named the duo, and their partnership has since developed into a rich blend of interlocking guitars, tight vocal harmonies, and emotive performances.

Their repertoire spans contemporary alternative rock and acoustic-friendly hits from Green Day, Bastille, Three Doors Down, Coldplay, and Mumford & Sons, alongside classic influences from Chris Rea and Rodriguez. Their sound bridges alternative rock, indie pop, folk-rock, and singer-songwriter traditions. Six String Syndicate will make their debut at MiTH on March 25, 2026.

 

19h00 – Grant Truter

Grant Truter is a South African acoustic performer known for his emotive vocals, acoustic guitar work, and signature stomp box rhythm. Blending elements of singer-songwriter, folk, acoustic rock, and country, his music combines honest storytelling with melodic, guitar-driven arrangements.

Influenced by artists such as Coldplay, Goo Goo Dolls, Chris Isaak, and Jason Mraz, Grant’s live performances feature a mix of original songs and carefully chosen covers. After making his live debut at the Splashy Fen 2025 Open Mic, Grant continued building momentum through live performances and online releases. In 2026 he returns to Splashy Fen as an official festival artist, marking an exciting milestone in his growing musical journey.

 https://www.instagram.com/grant_truter_music?igsh=MTVjZ2NreGluNHFobw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

 

ABOUT MiTH

Food and soft drinks are available for sale. Cash bar on site. The KZN Midlands’ favourite live music venue, MiTH is a platform for beginners, professionals and music lovers to celebrate the joy of live performance. Hosted every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Hilton.

 

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH

Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2 km along Hilton Avenue, which becomes Dennis Shepstone Drive. Look for Knoll Drive on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the second left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. Info: 082 331 7271, www.mith.co.za or mithbookings@gmail.com

ANDREW WALFORD EASTER WEEKEND

 

(Above: Andrew Walford at work)

 

Andrew Walford’s Pottery Studio will be open over the Easter Weekend from Friday, April 3 to Monday, April 6. Opening times from 10h00 to 17h00.

Wall tiles, vases, sushi dishes, tea or coffee chawan, gin or whisky guinomi and much more including the bargain basement.

Hot Cross Buns, Tea, Coffee and homemade lemonade are available or bring a picnic.

Parking is at the usual site opposite the entrance but it is possible to drive up if needed.

The Walfords - Andrew and Leanda - look forward to meeting old friends and new art lovers Shongweni Studio.

 

Directions

Take Shongweni exit off N3 freeway and follow signs for 8kms to B9 in the Shongweni Valley M551 Continuation of Kassier Road.

(1km past Shongweni Farmers Market)

 

Contact

Email

andrew@andrewwalford.co.za

Andrew's Number - (076) 500 3610

Leanda's Number - (082) 794 7796 

PALM SUNDAY WITH THE DURBAN SYMPHONIC CHOIR

Palm Sunday with the Durban Symphonic Choir: Sunday March 29 at 15h00.

For the 60th Anniversary of the Durban Symphonic Choir the Karl Jenkins Requiem as well as various pieces by Mozart will be performed under the baton of Chad Hendricks with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra at St Joseph's Cathedral.

The Requiem is a mass for the souls of the dead. Karl Jenkins has set the usual Latin movements, but, in keeping with his trait of drawing from other cultures he has also set five Japanese "death" poems.

Tickets: Quicket

POETIC SYMPHONY FOR POETRY AFRICA

Poetic Symphony returns with a breathtaking fusion of spoken word, and live orchestral music by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra.

Taking place at Seabrooke’s Theatre (Durban High School) on March 21, 2026, at 15h00, this powerful production brings celebrated poets to the stage - Mbali Malimela, Deborah Johnson, Adam Mots, Torsten Clear, and Malika Ndlovu - alongside the full symphony orchestra, creating an immersive experience where poetry meets classical sound.

Expect moving storytelling, rich musical arrangements, and a dynamic celebration of South African artistry.

Tickets: Webtickets

FESTIVAL WILL BRING CHILDREN’S BOOKS TO LIFE

The 29th edition of the renowned Time of the Writer festival presented by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts has extended its programming this year to bring a fascinating array of authors to entertain and inspire children through the art of stories. The authors will be presented at a range of Ethekwini Municipality’s city libraries, arts and community centres. 

The diverse group of children's authors from around the country will facilitate writing and cartoon drawing workshops, musical narratives and narrate teen adventures. The featured authors are Jayne Bauling, Nathi Ngubane, Ziyaad Ally Khan, Refiloe Moahloli, Salamina Mosese, Ekta Somera, Khwezi Mthethwa and Upile Uthixo Bongco. The programme of storytelling and writing workshops will also be supplemented by Nalibali, a specialist ngo working in the field of promoting children’s literature.

Famous political cartoonist, Nathi Ngubane will present cartoon workshops at New Germany Library and Amawoti Library. Well-known for his power-packed children’s story book From the River to the Sea, he will share his newest offering at this year’s festival, Malcolm X in Gaza.

The delightful Refiloe Moahloli will bring her award-winning stories to life with a brand-new series. Performing arts and mental health advocate, Upile Uthixo Bongco will share her Big Shoes to Fill with young audiences.

Multi-genre storyteller, film producer and media entrepreneur, Salamina Moses has a special song and musical story to entertain the youth. Teen adventure series and fantasy writers, Jayne Bauling and Ziyaad Ally Khan will take groups of readers on an adventure through narratives of dark knights and aliens, and wholesome stories of friendships with horses.

Ziyaad Ally will begin the week at Umlazi West Library and meet more readers at DUT and ML Sultan campuses with award-winning author Jayne Bauling. A packed programme will also be presented at the Luthuli Museum.

Local writers Ekta Somera, the author of Lilly the Llama Party Drama and Khwezi Mthethwa, the 17-year-old author of the book of The Key to the Secret door of Dinosaurs will bring their exciting stories to the inaugural Children’s Festival programme. Ekta hopes to inspire a new generation of children to use their imagination boldly. Khwezi Mthethwa’s wonderful story was written in her pre-teen years.

Shafinaaz Hassim, the curator of the Time of the Writer festival, said: “It is especially relevant to us that we are able to bring together this group of committed and cutting-edge children’s storytellers from around the country, and to be able to bring their stories to the children. We are so excited to be sharing their expertise in these spaces and partnerships that have opened their doors, the libraries and the cultural centres.”

The Nalibali storytelling programme will be presented at libraries in Umlazi and Chesterville. Nalibali’s two-day writer’s workshop for writers who are interested in the art of writing for younger readers will be presented at the KZNSA Gallery by Thabiso Mahlape.

The Time of the Writer festival takes place from March 23 to 28, 2026. The complete festival schedule including the Children’s Festival programme can be viewed at  https://tow.ukzn.ac.za/29th-online/

 

All events to the festival are free. The 29th edition of the Time of the Writer festival is supported by the University of KwaZulu-Natal, National Arts Council of South Africa and the KZN Department of Sport, Arts & Culture. Festival partners include the Wits Writing Centre, DALRO and the ATKV.

 

About the Centre For Creative Arts:

The 30-year Centre for Creative Arts is a multi-disciplinary cultural hub in the School of Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The Centre is renowned for presenting five of South Africa’s leading arts festivals – the Time of the Writer festival (29 years), JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Festival (28 years), Durban International film Festival (46 years), Poetry Africa (30 years) and the Artfluence Human Rights Festival (5 years). The Centre for Creative Arts is also host of the 5th World Slam Poetry Competition which will present 40 slam poets from forty nations competing for the global title in Durban during October 2026.

 

About the Curator:

Shafinaaz Hassim is an multi award-winning author and sociologist. Her more than 18 titles have received international and local acclaim. In 2014, she was listed by UNESCO as one of the top 39 writers in Africa under the age of 40. Her novels have been commended by the SALA and NIHSS awards and the UJ Prize for Creative Writing. She is also the author of the five-book Nisa Qamar series for young adults, which has been shortlisted twice for the Minara Aziz Hassim Literary Awards and the prestigious Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature 2019. Her novel Darlings of Durban received noteworthy accolade. Kimya Writes is her latest series. Hassim presents a popular book review show called BookBytes, showcasing cutting-edge writing from local and international authors. She brings her varied industry expertise to the curation of Time of the Writer Festival. 

 

For more information on the Centre for Creative Arts, click on the logo advert to the right of this article.

 

EXHIBITION BY RAJA OSHI

 

(“Unaccounted For” acrylic on canvas by Raja Oshi)

 

An exhibition by Raja Oshi titled What the Soul Yearns for and What the Eye Dares Witness opens in the Main Gallery of the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg.

The exhibition opens on March 22, 2026, at 11h00. The Opening Speaker will be Dr Katherine Patrick

Oshi maintains a strong academic foundation and an extensive exhibition history. She began her formal education in 1994, graduating from the College of Fine and Applied Art at Sudan University of Science and Technology in Khartoum. Her passion for art and continuous pursuit of knowledge led her to further studies, earning a postgraduate diploma from the Centre for Visual Arts (CVA) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2007. Most recently, in 2021, she attained an honours degree, solidifying her academic credentials in the visual arts. She has exhibited widely across South Africa.

Oshi has also showcased internationally with the Forster Art Gallery in Zanzibar in 2021, Bi-z gallery in Norway in 2004 and Taliesin Art Centre in South Wales in 2000. Recent exhibitions include Whispers in Matter, a group show with Artyli gallery and Disconnected Introspection, a solo exhibition at the Alliance Française de Pretoria. These exhibitions have provided platforms for Oshi to engage with diverse audiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural and social issues she explores in her art.

Raja’s paintings, both figurative and abstract, are inspired by her life context – what is happening in the world as well as moments of everyday life. Using unconventional, repurposed, recycled materials, her work explores and experiments through the interplay of textures, colours and layers.

Colour plays an important role, reflecting change, like the seasons, and the constant shifts of memory and emotions. The colours of the ocean, blues and turquoise, reflect depth and memory in many of her paintings. Surfaces for painting are created in a physical process of stitching and weaving fabric scraps, pieces of canvas left over from stretching canvases. In working with such unpredictable material, Raja’s work reflects her processing and expression of what is happening in the world.

In her work, Raja seeks to give voice to and present women’s stories with authenticity and depth – such as experiences of love, resilience, motherhood, ageing, and loneliness. Her art is also a powerful response to realities of war, hunger, displacement, violence, the trauma of migration, and the tragedies of war, both in Sudan and around the world. Through form and colour, her paintings reflect collective grief, bearing witness to the exhaustion, displacement and suffering of Sudan, and people that have had war forced upon them, particularly women. Raja’s work responds to urgent realities that demand to be expressed.

As a migrant herself, Raja’s work also explores the lived experiences of migrants and the complexities of their struggles. They touch on universal human experiences of vulnerability, resilience and memory, experiences of being human that transcend borders, all of which are represented in her diverse work.

A walkabout of this exhibition will be conducted by the artist, but the date is to be confirmed.

The exhibition runs until May 10, 2026, at 17h00.

Enquiries/Bookings: pinky.nkabinde@msunduzi.gov.za or 033 392 2811

BUMP AND GRIND BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

 

After a sensational festive season run, Bump and Grind is back by popular demand for audiences who missed the show the first time around.

This hilarious, high-energy cabaret returns to Northlands Bowling Club for a limited run from March 27 to 29.

 Join Aaron Mcilroy and Lisa Bobbert as they bring their signature mix of humour, and music back to the Bowling Club.

 Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or coming back for more, this is a musical comedy experience not to be missed.

 

3 shows Only!

Venue: Northlands Bowling Club

Dates: March 27–29, 2026

Bookings: Available through Webtickets or contact Roland on 0824998636

 Seats are limited, so early booking is recommended.

 Northlands Bowling Club is located at 50a Margaret Maytom Avenue, Durban North.

 

IGUZU MOVEMENT PROJECTS

 

IGUZU Movement Projects arrives in Durban to Empower Young Artists.

 

The Iguzu Movement Project is proud to announce the IGUZU (WAGON) Movement Projects – KZN Districts Tour, a dynamic travelling artistic and educational initiative designed to empower young people across KwaZulu-Natal.

This impactful programme brings together 40 emerging artists from five districts in Durban for an intensive week-long creative development experience. Running daily from 08h00 to 10h00, participants engage in immersive workshops, creative exchanges, and collaborative sessions spanning dance, music, poetry, and visual arts.

The programme will culminate in a powerful final showcase on March 20 at the Playhouse 410 Studio. This presentation will highlight the collaborative work and creativity developed throughout the week.

 

Attendance is by reservation only. To secure a seat, contact:

•           Vusi Makanya: vmdanceoffice@gmail.com

•           Alwande Mthembu: mthembualwande91@gmail.com

 

The initiative has been touring district municipalities across the province, including eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, uMgungundlovu District, King Cetshwayo District, Zululand District, iLembe District, and Ugu District. At each stop, participants take part in a structured programme designed to foster self-discovery, confidence, collaboration, and creative expression.

“Through dance, we journey into the unknown — discovering who we are, where we come from, and who we can become.”

Each district activation features dance and movement workshops, heritage and cultural site visits, live performance experiences, artist engagements, and opportunities for collaborative creation. These activities provide participants with both artistic exposure and meaningful cultural connection.

The programme is led by experienced artist-educators from Vusi Makanya Dance Company and KMSDT, who serve as mentors throughout the journey. Their guidance ensures a supportive, disciplined, and inspiring learning environment.

The IGUZU WAGON Project is funded through the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6) and the National Arts Council (NAC), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).

 

For updates and more information, follow the journey on social media using:

#IGUZIMOVEMENTPROJECTS

BAROQUE 2000 SEASON OPENING

 

(Refiloe Olifant. Pic supplied)

Baroque 2000 has announced its Season Opening on March 29 at 11h30 at St James Church - Venice Road in Musgrave.

 Programme – “Bach Family”:

Johann Bernhard Bach - Ouverture Suite in G Minor

Johannes Sebastian Bach - Violin Concerto in A Minor – Refiloe Olifant soloist

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach - Sinfonia in F major, F.67

⁠Johannes Sebastian Bach – “Befiehl du deine Wege”, BWV 270.

 

Tickets R200 at the door. Children enter free.

There is free and secure parking in Venice and Sir Arthur adjacent roads.

 

Become a subscriber to the whole Season of 8 concerts!

Subscription includes: reserved seat, 1 concert free (total R1400)

April 26: Music at the Court of LouisXIV – Versailles

May 31: Handel Operatic arias (Lynelle Kenned – soprano).

June 28: Vivaldi programme with Ralitza Macheva (violin) and Ralitsa Pechoux (cello) soloists.

Sept 13. Erik Dippenaar – Organ and Harpsichord concerti.

Oct 25:  The KZN Youth Choir

Nov 29: Young Barockers.

Dec 20: Christmas celebration / Antoinette Lohmann – baroque violin (The Netherlands). Masterclasses.

 

Banking details:

Baroque 2000 – FNB Musgrave – Branch code 221126 – Acc No. 6 200 500 2663

 

Contact: Michel. sursouth@iafrica.com 082 303 5241

KARL JENKINS’ REQUIEM & MUSIC BY MOZART

 

(Above: The Durban Symphonic Choir)

 

The Durban Symphonic Choir and the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra present a memorable afternoon of choral and orchestral music: Karl Jenkins’ Requiem and music by Mozart, on Palm Sunday, March 29 at 15h00, in the beautiful surroundings of St Joseph’s Cathedral, Mariannhill.

The year 2026 marks a special milestone for the Durban Symphonic Choir as it celebrates 60 years of music-making, and this concert forms part of the choir’s anniversary celebrations.

The first half of the programme features music by Mozart, including the joyful Regina coeli, the beloved Laudate Dominum, and the brilliant Alleluja from Exsultate, Jubilate. These works will highlight the talents of soloists drawn from the choir’s own ranks – Sibonelo Mbanjwa, Gabrielle Wills, and Billi-Jean Parker. The first half concludes with Handel’s famous Hallelujah Chorus.

Following a short interval, choir and orchestra come together for Karl Jenkins’ Requiem, a work admired for its compelling contrasts: Dramatic choral passages and sweeping orchestral textures convey the grandeur of the traditional Latin Requiem, while the inclusion of delicate Japanese haiku introduces moments of calm reflection and lyrical beauty, creating a work that is both powerful and deeply contemplative.

The performance is directed by Ros Conrad and conducted by Chad Hendricks and promises an inspiring musical experience in the resonant acoustics of this historic cathedral.

 

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026

Time: 15h00 – 17h00

Venue: St. Joseph’s Cathedral, 98 Abbot Francis Road, Mariannhill, Durban

Tickets: R130 (under 12’s free), available online at Quicket or at the door.

Food & Beverages will be available for purchase.

This concert is a must-attend for classical music lovers and those seeking a meaningful way to observe Palm Sunday.

 

Contact:

Website: www.durbansymphonicchoir.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DbnChoir

Email: durbansymphonicchoir@gmail.com

Phone: Marian on 082 418 0883