Something for everyone, is the mission statement of a programme designed overall as a total experience for the music-lover.
Heading the instrumental bill, the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra presents two concerts. A symphony concert conducted by the brilliant Dutch conductor Arjan Tien and a light classical programme conducted by Lyk Temmingh.
The 15-member ensemble, Baroque 2000 will play a selection of favourites. Additional baroque gems form part of a wide-ranging programme by Mexican recorder maestro Horacio Franco who will be accompanied by Victor Flores on double-bass. Their eclectic concert includes compositions ancient and modern and some anonymous works from Latin America’s folk archives.
The expressive power of the piano gets full rein in a solo recital by Israel’s Van Cliburn Competition medallist Aviram Reichert, and a performance by Jill Richards and Mathilda Hornsveld in which they play Mozart, Rachmaninov and Grainger in duet.
On a lighter note, popular pianist Rocco de Villiers and two accompanists will present 1960s favourites as enjoyed in Sophiatown during that era.
The renowned Trio Hemanay with Marian Lewin (cello), Malcolm Nay (piano) and Helen Vosloo (flute) is committed to promoting the work of South African composers but their repertoire ranges way back before Beethoven.
Peter Martens (cello) joins the Rosamunde String Quartet for one item on their Festival programme: Schubert’s quintet in C major.
For the remainder of this instrumental event audiences are in the talented hands of Denise Sutton (first violin), Suzanne Martens (second violin), Jean-Louise Moolman (viola) and Marian Lewin (cello).
The voice that has earned Standard Bank Young Artist award-winner Angela Gilbert international acclaim is honoured in a recital of opera solos by Handel, Verdi, Puccini and Strauss. Christopher Duigan will accompany her.
Sibongile Khumalo in concert is a highlight on the festival 2003 diary as are two performances by the Chanticleer Singers, conducted by Richard Cock.
Another grouping of diverse talents makes recording artist Steve Dyer‘s Son of the Soil a rich multi-media experience. An instrumental piece featuring saxophone and flute with some vocal chanting, it is supported by video-streamed images invoked by the music’s narrative.
A double-whammy from jazz guitarist Louis Mhlanga has him playing a selection from his new CD with Dutch bassist Eric van der Westen before being joined by his South African band for a tour through hits from his new and past albums including the ever-popular Shamwari.
Information supplied by National Arts Festival