Rhodes in harmony: gala concert
TPhoto: Supplied he Rhodes University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Scarr will perform in the Guy Butler Theatre, Settlers Monument on 27 September, at 7.30pm.
The performance showcases the Rhodes University Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with the NMMU orchestra, top young musicians from local schools St Andrew's College and Kingswood College, as well as members of the ECPO and local musicians.
The 60 minute programme includes some all-time musical favourites such as the Mozart Clarinet Concerto 2nd mvt played by NMMU clarinettist Mieke Struwig, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No 2 1st movement played by pianist Catherine Foxcroft, Verdi’s aria Bella Figlia dell’ amore (Rigoletto) as well as Khumalo’s Ihubo Lika Mvelinqangi – Hymn of the Creator (uShaka) sung by vocal quartet Jo-Nette Le Kay (soprano), Nosiviwe Mqwebedu (mezzo soprano) Sibusisio Mkhize and Sibabalwa Yoko (tenors), Njabulo Mthimkhulu (baritone).
The curtain will rise to the sounds of the Rhodes Windband conducted by Lindsay Johnston and conclude with a guest performance by the Rhodes vocalists and Rhodes Chamber Choir performing Mozart’s Lacrimosa ( Requiem). Sponsored by SAMRO, the programme features City Slickers originally composed in 2002 by South African composer Grant McLachlan for a TV documentary depicting the lives of penguins and their greatest hazard, oil.
A candle-lit cheese and wine reception follows the concert in the foyer.
Tickets are R100 for adults, concessions R50, students and scholars R40, school block bookings R30. Cheese and wine reception is R80. Pre-bookings are available at the Rhodes Music Department from Denétha Peters (
Tickets will also be on sale at the door.
The concert is an annual fund-raising initiative. All proceeds from the concert will be allocated to the Music Department’s 1st year bursary, awarded annually to a prospective BMus student in need of financial aid. Two BMus students are currently funded by the proceeds from the 2016 Gala concert.