Three decades and still going strong
Don't miss the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra's 30th birthday concert at the Durban City Hall on Thursday 24 October.
ABOUT 30 years ago a group of like-minded musicians first took to the stage in what is today know as the much-loved and respected KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Founded in 1983 as part of the Natal Performing Arts Council (later The Playhouse Company), the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra (KZNPO) was restructured in April 1998 as an independent viable entity, according to the new South African Arts and Culture dispensation policy.
On Thursday 24 October the KZNPO celebrates its 30-year history of beautiful music by performing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, the choral symphony, which will blow the minds of music lovers.
Four leading South African soloists and four Durban choirs sing this choral favourite at the Durban City Hall.
Known as the Natal Philharmonic in its early days, the orchestra performed this same work in the Pietermaritzburg City Hall on 22 October 1983 at their opening concert. Thirty years later and now renowned for their World Symphony Series concerts played in three seasons a year, the KZNPO lives up to its well-deserved reputation as Africa’s premier orchestra.
The orchestra also committed to ensuring that the youth of today, particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, has access to the delights of music.
More than 25 000 pupils are annually introduced to the orchestra instruments in educational concerts. Rural residencies, each lasting a week, see the orchestra spend a week in a country community where their activities include school workshops, demonstrations and community concerts. The KZNPO’s dedicated cadet programme has produced more than 30 accomplished young musicians who work as professionals around South Africa and the world.
Bongani Tembe, artistic director and chief executive of the KZNPO said: “As the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra we are committed to bringing the pleasure of classical music to all members of our diverse society. We contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of all South Africans by presenting concerts of high calibre and by integrating music into the learning experience of our children.
“We also present concerts that showcase the cultural heritage of our country and, over the years, our programmes have attracted people of all races and ages who come to our events just to enjoy themselves together as South Africans.”
Concert-goers on 24 October will not be disappointed. After the concert the audience are invited to celebrate the occasion with complimentary bubbly, birthday cake, chocolates and more live entertainment!
The KZNPO will use this occasion to launch its summer 2014 symphony concert season with prizes for those who buy their season tickets early. The new subscribers, as season ticket-holders are called, could win luxury accommodation at the Oyster Box Hotel in uMhlanga Rocks, The St James on Venice, the da Vinci Hotel and Suites in Sandton (with air tickets included,) the Mount Nelson in Cape Town or lunch and a round of golf at the Durban Country Club, dinner at Bel Punto, lightweight luggage from Turner’s Travel or a subscription to ClassicFeel magazine.
Booking for this birthday concert is at Computicket and ticket prices range from R45 to R200.
To find accommodation in Durban, visit Afristay.
