Youth step up to classical
YOUNG performers will have their time to shine when the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra performs with some of the country’s most promising musicians at the National Youth Concerto Festival, in Durban’s City Hall on Thursday.
Founded by David Tidboald in 1971 in Cape Town and brought to Durban in 1983 as part of the introductory year of the Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Youth Concerto Festival has been a tradition in South Africa for more than 40 years and has provided an annual stage for South Africa’s emerging talent.
South African international classical music stars such as Ben Schoeman, Anton Nel and François du Toit all received their first taste of performing in front of an orchestra through the National Youth Concerto Festival.
Eight budding young classically-trained musicians – Keamagetswe Magau (violin), Mieke Struwig (clarinet), Tabiso Busani (solo classical voice), Yohan Chun (piano), Lourens Fick (piano), Christiaan van Zyl (cello), Rian Smit (flute) and Kevin Kim (piano) – have earned the privilege of performing with the KZNPO under the baton of Lykele Temmingh after a rigorous audition process.
This year’s festival features a diverse selection of soloists performing repertoire from Mozart to Ravel to Liebermann.
The KZNPO continues its primary mission of bringing excellence in music-making to Durban. The Winter Season features top South African and international musicians in an eclectic and carefully created programme of amazing music.
Bookings can be made in advance by visiting www.computicket.com with prices ranging between R65 and R230. Doors open at 6.30pm for 7.30pm.