The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam (RCO), currently rated by Gramophone magazine as the world’s greatest orchestra, visits South Africa as part of its world tour to celebrate its 125th anniversary.
The RCO’s managing director, Jan Raes, says that the orchestra is looking forward to their tour of South Africa. “We are extremely happy and honoured for this opportunity to share our musical skills and passion with you, and we hope this will mark a lasting bond between the Netherlands and South Africa, a bond which will certainly enrich both our cultural heritages. We are very grateful to Bongani Tembe for inviting and realising this wonderful tour, and we look forward to delighting South African music lovers.”
KZN Philharmonic Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Bongani Tembe, comments “One of the joys of being South African is the celebration of diversity and the principle of sharing one’s resources which is embodied in the fundamentals of uBuntu – connoting ‘you are because I am’. The concept of uBuntu, which is embedded in the KwaZulu- Natal Philharmonic’s mission, is an important thread in the tapestry of South African society and mirrors the role of music globally as a unifying force.”
The RCO will play one symphony concert each in Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria and will participate in educational and community-related work in Cape Town, uMlazi Township and Soweto. The RCO’s South African tour – their first ever trip to Africa – is hosted by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations this year.
Mr Tembe expanded “In addition to the presentation of three symphony concerts, I am delighted that the RCO will also conduct workshops and education concerts in Cape Town, uMlazi Township and Soweto, to share their skills and inspire young South African musicians. This is sure to have a lasting impact on all who come into contact with this superb group of musicians. “
This South African tour marks the first step in a partnership between the two orchestras, as both believe that music has the power to unite people and can be effectively used to brand both countries positively around the world. The KZN Philharmonic salutes the RCO on their 125th anniversary.
DATE: Saturday 9 March 2013
VENUE: Artscape Opera House
TICKETS: Computicket
