Durban music picks: February 17 2012

Musically, the 1980s was one of the most divisive and diverse.

For those who grew up in the years when the annual Pop Shop and Now That’s What I Call Music collections were still in their single digits and came in cassette form, it remains an era either vilified or venerated.

For those in the latter category, early booking is advised for Rewind, which assembles 10 of the top hit-makers from back in the day for one Rick-rolling night only. Mr Astley himself is joined by Howard Jones, Village ­People, ­Imagination, Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet, Go West, Nick Kershaw, Marc Almond and Midge Ure from
Ultravox.

Kings Park Stadium, February 25. Tickets range from R250 to R700 at Computicket. Website: rewindfestival.com

■ The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra is in full swing with the summer season of its World ­Symphony Series.

On February 23 it features a selection of ­operatic gems, including the ­overture to Rossini’s Semiramide and highlights from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Cosi fan Tutte and Lucio Silla. The whole programme goes under the title Soulful Synthesis and Israeli conductor Omri Hadari leads the orchestra in Beethoven’s ­majestic Symphony No 7. Buenos Aires-born Sivan Rotem sings the parts.

Durban City Hall, February 23 at 7.30pm. Tickets range from R42 to R189. Book at Computicket and check the website for ticket prices and season ticket specials. Website: kznpo.co.za