The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and
Dr Gcina Mhlophe perform for 500 learners in Molweni.
A special day was enjoyed by more than 500 learners in Molweni today (Friday 16 Feb) when the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra performed the children’s classic Peter and the Wolf in isiZulu which has been translated and narrated by master story-teller, Dr Gcina Mhlophe, at a special event to affirm Molweni’s top 2017 matric achievers and inspire this year’s matriculants.
The concert was part of a special morning event for young people of Molweni hosted by proactive Ward 9 Councilor, Cllr Patrick Mncube, and took place at KwaDinabakubo Hall. This is an annual programme to affirm the top matriculants from the four schools in the area, and to acknowledge 25 of the region’s most dedicated teachers by handing out certificates and awards. The morning also serves to treat and inspire high school learners to excel academically this year. As well as the 450 high school learners that were present, there were 50 primary school children from the area who were gifted with school uniforms and encouraged to do well in school too.
Although this affirmation programme has been in place since 2016, this was the first time that the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra had been invited to perform at the event.
The orchestra, under the baton of Lykele Temmingh, performed Peter and the Wolf – composed by Sergei Prokofiev, it is a charming symphonic fairy-tale for children. It is a narrated story with music, which teaches children to recognise the different orchestral instruments. It has been translated especially for the KZN Philharmonic by Dr Mhlophe as part of the orchestra’s extensive outreach programme. This was the first time that Dr Mhlophe narrated the piece herself.
Outside of the KZN Philharmonic’s World Symphony Series and other high-profile public concerts, they also have an extensive and geographically far reaching programme of taking the orchestra to schools across the province to introduce primary and high school learners to the concept of music appreciation. A series of well-scripted programmes introduce children to orchestral instruments and the power of music thereby allowing learners to better understand the complexities, benefits, prowess and accessibility of an orchestra.
As well as performing Peter and the Wolf – which can be narrated either in English or isiZulu – the educational repertoire covers music from familiar themes. The programme included popular soundtracks which range from our national anthem to James Bond, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean and Pharrell William’s clap-along ditty, Happy.
The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra is a professional orchestra of 70 full-time musicians which enjoys a reputation for innovative excellence among South African orchestras and has proved to be a formidable resource countrywide. It is dedicated to delivering the importance of music in South Africa through its Education and Development Programmes. The KZN Philharmonic prioritises outreach initiatives: “Community Engagement” is one of the orchestra’s three areas of focus, along with “Excellence” and “Innovation.” Every year the orchestra performs at over 100 schools throughout the province. They perform in the cities, suburbs, rural communities and in the townships, touching the lives of almost 40 000 scholars.
“While serving South Africa with distinctly professional orchestral performances, the KZN Philharmonic also dedicates much of its time and energy to enriching the local community through its Education and Development programme. When they are not performing symphony concerts, the Orchestra implements an extensive education and development programme, in which they introduce learners to the joys of classical music. In keeping with this transference of skills, during the KZN Philharmonic’s Summer Symphony Season, visiting artists will conduct master classes for both students and teachers of string instruments. This will enable them to learn from some of the world’s best,” explains Bongani Tembe: Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the KZN Philharmonic. For more details regarding these workshops, please contact KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s offices on 031 369 9438 or email reception@kznphil.org.za
The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra is simultaneously preparing for its four week 2018 World Symphony Series Summer Season which runs in the Playhouse Opera Theatre between 22 February and 15 March, each Thursday, starting at 19h30.
For more information, visit www.kznphil.org.za, or contact 031 369 9438 or email reception@kznphil.org.za.
Listings: Concert ONE / opening
Date: Thurs 22 Feb at 7.30pm
Conductor: Daniel Boico
Soloist: Anna Dmytrenko
Featured instrument: piano
Programme: Frantz Liszt Les Préludes; Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No 2 in G minor;
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F minor.
Preconcert lecture: Andrew Warburton
