KZN Philharmonic turns 30

Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Four leading South African soloists and four Durban choirs will swell this rich choral favourite to exhilarating proportions in the magnificent acoustics of the Durban City Hall.

Known as the Natal Philharmonic in its early days, the Orchestra performed this very 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 KZN Philharmonic lives up to its reputation as 'Africa's Premier Orchestra'.

It is also committed to ensuring that the youth of today, particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, has access to the delights of music. Over 25,000 learners annually are 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 KZN Philharmonic's dedicated cadetship programme has produced over 30 accomplished young musicians who work as professionals around South Africa and the world.

Bongani Tembe, artistic director and chief executive of the KZN Philharmonic says: "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 all members of the audience are invited to celebrate the occasion with complimentary bubbly, birthday cake and chocolates - and more live entertainment!

The KZN Philharmonic will use this occasion to launch their Summer 2014 symphony concert season with amazing 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 in Mhlanga Rocks, The St James on Venice, the da Vinci Hotel & 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 exceptional birthday concert is at Computicket and ticket prices range from R45 - R200.