A summer immersed in symphony
THE KWAZULU-NATAL Philharmonic orchestra begins its year with a sixconcert Summer Symphony Season every Thursday in the Playhouse Opera Theatre.
The soloists selected for the season represent some of the most exciting vibrant talent of the new generation of global music makers – marrying rockstar appeal and accessibility with heavyweight music credentials.
All have recently won major international music competitions. Soloist, Italian-American violinist Francesca Dego, made her debut with the KZN Philharmonic orchestra this week.
It marked her first visit to Durban and to South Africa.
Dego is quickly developing into one of the most soughtafter young violinists on the international scene.
Signed by Deutsche Grammophon in 2012, she regularly appears with the world’s leading orchestras and is the winner of numerous national and international competitions.
Dego performed a violin concerto by a relatively unknown Italian-German composer, Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari.
She is a fan of his work and has written an article about him for the BBC Music Magazine.
His violin concerto was inspired by a young American virtuoso Guila Bustabo (a 27-yearold violinist) with whom WolfFerrari fell in love at the age of 70.
Speaking about the concerto, Dego says: “One day I would love to see the Wolf-Ferrari Violin Concerto as part of standard violin repertoire.
“It’s practically never performed and it’s a beautiful piece that deserves to be heard. Wolf-Ferrari developed a strong attachment to Guila Bustabo (who was, coincidentally, the same age as me when she gave the world premiere).
“This probably explains the predominant tone of rather intense, lyrical yearning. It’s like being immersed in an Italian Opera written for the violin.”
This season sees Dego performing throughout the world.
The KZN Philharmonic’s associate guest conductor Daniel Boico also joins the orchestra for two concerts.
Next Thursday he conducts multi-award-winning young pianist Daniel Ciobanu from Romania – winner of the 2015 Unisa international piano competition and the 2014 Scottish international piano competition in Glasgow.
He has has been described as “impetuous” – with a love of the classical repertoire.
Booking is through www. computicket.com or 0861 915 8000, Shoprite Checkers Money Market Counters. Or subscribe by calling 031 369 9438.
Morning tea and symphony: Catch the final rehearsal on the morning of the scheduled concerts every Thursday during season at 10am for a nominal charge. Contact KZN Philharomic offices for bookings and more information e-mail bookings@kznphil.org.za or phone 031 369 9438.
To better appreciate the music ahead of the concert: preconcert lectures take place in the Alhambra Room at the Playhouse from 6 until 6.40pm prior to the concert every Thursday.
– Goodlife Reporter