Latest news with #KZNPhilharmonicOrchestra
IOL News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Giving children a day of fun
One of the Super Heroes from the Joseph Baynes Children's Home receives a temporary tattoo from Keaghan Tate at the Mandela Day event in Pietermaritzburg. Treat every day like it is Mandela Day, was the recurring message at two children-focused Mandela Day events in Pietermaritzburg. Children from the Joseph Baynes Children's Home and Pietermaritzburg Children's Home were treated to a special day of care, play, and celebration yesterday. The event was the initiative of the management team of Symphony by the Waters – a one-day eclectic music festival to be held on the banks of Midmar Dam in the company of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and special guests, on Saturday 4 October. The Symphony by the Waters project called on the generosity of Pietermaritzburg residents and local businesses to support a Mandela Day initiative at the two children's care homes. 'We know times are difficult for many, but even a small contribution can make an enormous difference in the lives of these children,' said Njabulo Shangase from Symphony by the Waters. 'Of course, investing in community projects should be top of mind for 365 days of the year; however Mandela Day is about collective action, and this is an opportunity for all of us to be part of something meaningful. Mandela was known for his love of children. We want to honour him on the day that the country sets aside to remember his life and legacy,' he said. Mandela Day is an annual global celebration that takes place every year on Mandela's birthday on 18 July. This day is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on Mandela's values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities. This year's Nelson Mandela International Day will be celebrated under the theme: 'It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.' Collectively, the Joseph Baynes Children's Home and Pietermaritzburg Children's Home provide shelter and support for about 160 children, from new babies to young adults. Organisers appealed for donations of essential supplies. Pmb corporates and members of the public came forward with an abundance of useful goods for the children. The Symphony by the Waters project understands the notion of community investment. 'As local residents and businesspeople, we are wanting to develop meaningful long-term connections and broad investments with the city on multiple levels. We believe that helping children on Mandela Day would be a good starting point for this vision,' said Shangase. 'Our intention for later in the year, is to stage a public dialogue during Women's Month and the concert in October. This is the first phase of our project,' he said. At the heart of this initiative is a partnership with Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Honourable Mmapaseka Steve Letsike who has dedicated decades to championing the rights of women, young people, and persons living with disabilities. VIP guests at the event were KZN MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Mntumuhle Khawula ; Msunduzi Municipality Speaker, Cllr Eunice Majola, Leaders from the Salvation Army, and business personality, Themba Ndhlovu, CEO of SBD Business Systems.
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
'It all started with the recorder'
Chad Hendricks, resident conductor of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and Charl van der Merwe, principal bassoonist and conductor of the Durban City Orchestra whip out their batons as they nurture Durban's many talented musicians. Two conductors, two Durban orchestras, and both coming out of the same Cape Town church recorder group. For both their first recording was in the church choir singing Christmas carols. The city is blessed to have the talents of Chad Hendricks, resident conductor of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and Charl van der Merwe, principal bassoonist in the KZNPO and leader of the Durban City Orchestra. The Independent on Saturday caught up with the two friends ahead of the start of the orchestra's new season next week. And yes, despite them leading different orchestras, there's no animosity. When I suggest it's a battle of the batons, they both laugh and then shake their head. It was actually Hendricks who persuaded van der Merwe to make the move to Durban when the principal bassoon seat was on offer, a move he has never regretted. And vice versa last year when Lyk Temming retired as the resident conductor. Hendricks, who studied trumpet, relished the move to Durban last November. 'It's a great change of pace and the city has a different feel. It suits my style. It also has great potential and so many untapped projects. I feel I can contribute and make an impact.' For both their love of music started at Cape Town's New Apostolic Church on the Cape Flats. For Hendricks it was a case of being blessed with opportunities. 'It all started as kids in the mass recorder programme. There were many congregations that were part of the church, but each had its own choir and orchestra. From recorder you would progress to other instruments, then you could try out for the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. It was only in high school I was comfortable with the idea of music as a career and went to UCT,' he says Van der Merwe remembers singing in Sunday School 'with our red hats like little Christmas elves'. The Sunday School produced an album, Christmas in Cape Town, which went on to be a community hit. He sang in the first album, Hendricks, some six years younger, in the second. 'Our choirs are the best,' Van der Merwe said. 'But it all started in church learning the recorder. If it wasn't for that I wouldn't be here today.' He learnt to play piano and then the flute. 'My brother was given a flute, but you know the flute is sometimes thought of as a little fem, and he was the butchest boy in the class. So I tried it, and it's similar to the recorder, and easy to play. Then another friend introduced me to the bassoon, and I was hooked on that sound.' But he couldn't afford the instrument. 'I borrowed one from the Beau Solail Music centre until my dad could buy me one,' He says. He still has it, using it for teaching at the Durban Music School. Hendricks likens being part of an orchestra to being part of a family. But having played in professional orchestras around the country, leading one is different. 'It's not just about maintaining musical standards, but you need to be open to musicians' lives. You also need to make the audience feel welcome and engaged. ' 'We've enjoyed working with him,' van der Merwe says. 'He's a new person with a vibrant energy and a fresh look at things. I hope he stays,' he jokes. Hendricks also wants to engage with new audiences. 'We have a lot of beautiful grey-haired people who love and understand the music. But we need to pass that understanding on to younger audiences, get it across to the new generation. There's a lot of potential in that with popular and accessible stuff. Van der Merwe points to the Star Wars Imperial March that young musicians are going to play with professionals on Father's Day tomorrow at the Let's Band Together Concert at Durban Girls College. (See Page 4). Van der Merwe is thinking along similar lines with his Durban City Orchestra, which is funded by the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra. 'There's a lot of opportunity to spread music making." Which quickly leads to their playlists, which Hendricks says would surprise readers. 'It's anything from Mozart to Tupac,' he laughs. He also enjoys the KZNPO's schools outreach programme. 'The amount of talent, the innate rhythm, innate musicality in those kids is amazing,' he says. 'And music really is a great tool. It teaches discipline, teaches team work, and teaches creativity. You don't have to be a professional musician to benefit from those guiding principles in life.' Hendricks is also impressed with the potential and musical tradition in and around Durban. The KZNPO is looking to put on small Sinfonia concerts at venues around the province. 'They give a more intimate experience, and orchestra musicians can be soloists in smaller works. It's part of taking music to the people.' Initiatives like the Park and Ride buses are bringing people to the main symphony season from Umhlanga, the Berea and the Highway area. (Tickets from Quicket). The KZNPO starts its two-concert Winter Season this week with concerts at the Playhouse on Thursday June 19 and 26, both starting at 7pm. (Tickets from Quicket) See Page 4.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Celebrate mom with a symphony of creativity and music in Durban
Resident conductor, Chad Hendricks will be conducting the KZNPO in two free Mother's Day concerts this weekend. This Mother's Day weekend in Durban, families and music lovers can look forward to a series of enchanting concerts and creative performances, ensuring celebrations are both memorable and musical. Mother's Day Concerts The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Chad Hendricks, will be performing two free hour-long Mother's Day-themed concerts at the Pavilion Shopping Centre on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, at the Fountain Court (cinema level), at 1pm. There is also a free charity gift wrapping station for families to have presents for mum beautifully wrapped. The station is situated outside Edgars and is open daily from 10am to 7pm until May 10. Musical Extravaganza The KZN Youth Orchestra will team up with the Durban Girls College (DGC) senior primary and high school choirs and orchestras for their annual collaboration. Two of the College high girls will be singing with the massed ensembles. A variety of music will be performed, ranging from classical to Miley Cyrus's "Flowers". Where: Durban Girls College Centenary Hall. When: Friday, May 9, at 6pm. Classical Music Concert Evgeny Zhdanov and Andrew Warburton will play rarely performed works for violin and piano from Russia, the Czech Republic and France, by Leoš Janáček, Alfred Schnittke and César Franck. Aran Singh will open the concert. Where: Howard College Theatre at the University of KwaZulu Natal. When: Saturday, May 10, at 7pm. "Umhlaba Uyalila" (The Earth is Weeping) Second-year drama students at the Durban University of Technology are shining a spotlight on environmental issues and climate change in their latest original production, "Umhlaba Uyalila". The issues are addressed through a creative multi-lingual hybrid of dance, song, movement, spoken word, original music, poetry and image projection, by acclaimed Durban photographer, Val Adamson. Dr Tamar Meskin, Mdu Mtshali and Zenneth Cibane are the creative minds behind the concept. Where: DUT Courtyard Theatre, 51 Steve Biko Road, Musgrave, Durban. When: May 14 to 16.
The Citizen
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Autumn concert in Empangeni promises show-stopping headliners
Step into the splendour of the season at the Autumn Concert hosted by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and Empangeni High School (EHS) choir. The unforgettable afternoon will be held at the Umfolozi Hotel Casino Convention Resort Dome on Saturday, 26 April. This event promises musical artistry, where the beauty of autumn comes alive through enchanting melodies and captivating performances. Gracing international stages, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra is renowned for its diverse repertoire which leaves audiences speechless. Joining the global musicians, the award-winning EHS choir, together with various soloists, will take centre stage for the harmonic encounter. Tickets are available through Quicket. For more information, email or Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
