Celebratory weekend marks Hurley Centenary
Archbishop Denis Hurley's centenary celebrations which begin this weekend, will include a memorial lecture, book launch and the World Religions in Concert.
THIS weekend will see a significant milestone on the city’s calendar with the centenary of Archbishop Denis Hurley, the formal opening of the Denis Hurley Centre in Durban’s inner city and an enchanting one-off celebratory concert featuring the KZNPO, choirs and soloists entitled World Religions in Concert.
A full programme of supporting events will take place at the Denis Hurley Centre and Emmanuel Cathedral over the celebration weekend with the annual memorial lecture with Monsignor Paul Nadal on Friday, 6 November at 7pm. On Saturday, 7 November at noon is the launch of Archbishop Daniel’s autobiography followed by a workshop on relations with other faiths, led by St Joseph’s Cedara and the Jesuit Institute.
The highlight of the festivities is World Religions in Concert: a spectacular interfaith musical event coordinated by Themi Venturas, featuring the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, choirs, Buddhist drummers, guest soloists and children, taking place on Monday, 9 November inside the Emmanuel Cathedral as the sun sets. Storyteller Gcina Mhlophe and her daughter Kwezi Becker; acclaimed opera singers Linda Bukhosini and Bongani Tembe; violinist and KZNPOs concert master, Joanna Frankel and opera singer Raphael Vilakazi will also be participants in the concert.
The overture has been composed specially for the occasion by KZNPO’s John Walton. It is an evocative piece inspired by church bells and the Mosque call to prayer.
A one-off spectacular interfaith concert has been created especially for the auspicious event taking place on the actual day of the centenary of Hurley’s birth: 9 November 1915. Only 800 people will be able to experience this unique, historic event.
The concert has been thoughtfully created to commemorate Hurley’s legacy, to celebrate the opening of the DHC and to demonstrate the role of the faith communities in working together on this project. The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, which has graciously supported this project, will be conducted by Naum Rousine.
The Denis Hurley Centre is a purpose-made new building alongside Emmanuel Cathedral in the city’s CBD close to the busiest road, rail and taxi hub in the province. This busy multi-purpose multi-faith facility promotes extensive outreach, support, feeding and training for the homeless, unemployed and refugee communities, and provides primary health care as well as community building programmes in one of the most diverse, challenging and impoverished neighbourhoods of downtown Durban.
Tickets cost R130 and are available now through Computicket outlets, telephonically at 0861 915 8000, or online at www.computicket.com; and also from select parishes. Safe, guarded parking is provided. There are limited VIP tickets for R450 which give access to preferential seating and parking and the Cardinal’s reception immediately after the concert. Contact Ailsa Windsor of Going Places: 083 250 2690 or concert@denishurleycentre.org for more information. Contact Raymond Perrier on raymond@denishurleycentre.org or 0765 702 497 for more information about the DHC and a full centenary programme.
