Two sparkling concerts for KZNPO
The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra’s two-concert Summer Season starts at The Playhouse Opera on Thursday.
On February 20 Daniel Boico conducts Tchaikovsky’s iconic Violin Concerto performed by Berlin based Japanese American violinist Mayumi Kanagawa. This sparkling work for violin is book-ended by two Beethoven stalwarts - the Egmont Overture and his charming Symphony No 4.
The second concert on February 27 sees Mark Kadin on the podium and features the music of Haydn, Chopin and Mendelssohn. The evening opens with the fun Toy Symphony – the cuckoo clock calls and there’s plenty of percussive sound effects and quirky humour. Typically, guests (in the form of local celebrities) are invited to participate in the piece but the orchestra management is not revealing who the celebs might be.
Spanish virtuoso Leo de Maria performs Chopin’s achingly beautiful Piano Concerto No 1. The evening wraps up with Mendelssohn symphony No 4 or his Italian symphony – with sparkles of Mediterranean sunshine.
“It is our great pleasure to welcome back our community of music lovers,” says Bongani Tembe, KZN Philharmonic’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director. “Upholding the traditions of our long-running World Symphony Series, we bring accomplished guest stars from around the world.”
The concerts start at 7pm. There are no public morning rehearsals.
Season tickets are available through KZN Philharmonic Office on 031 369 9438 or info@kznphil.org.za, and bookings for individual concerts are at Quicket.
The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra wants to make their audiences’ experience as comfortable as possible. As many would prefer not to self-drive to the Playhouse, the orchestra is providing a subsidised bus service allowing people to park in the suburbs and catch a bus into town.
Routes include:
- North of Durban: From Grace Family Church in Umhlanga departing at 6.10pm (R100 return).
- Upper Highway: From St Agnes Church at 5.50pm (R100 return)
- Westville: From Westville Senior Primary at 6.10pm (R80 return)
- Berea: From the Caister Lodge at 6.20 (R60 return).
Safe, free parking is available at all departure points. Booking through Quicket.