Music

SIPHO GUMEDE

Bass guitar wizard Sipho Gumede will perform one show only at the Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown on October 4 from 12h00 to 16h00. Tickets R15.

BAROQUE CONCERTS

Musician Michel Schneuwly recently announced a new baroque music pro-gramme titled Baroque 2 000. "We chose the name just to show that baroque music is still alive into the new millennium!" he says, with a smile.

Baroque 2 000 comprises a independent core orchestra of some 22 musicians most of whom are KZN Philharmonic Orchestra players working in their private capacity.

A series of 10 hour-long subscription concerts will be introduced next year from March to December with performances on the last Sunday every month.

FUNDS

"Funds permitting, we would like to introduce local soloists and choirs as well as those of a high standard from the townships," says Michel. "We will also collaborate with the Drakensberg Boys Choir next year."

The Alliance Française is sponsoring two initial concerts to serve as a promotion for the 1999 series. The first, on November 8, will be an all-Bach pro-gramme with the concert on November 29 concentrating on the works of Handel. These will be held at the Methodist Church, Musgrave Road, at 11h00. Tickets are R30 either through Computicket or at the door.

Since the concept is a professional one, wherein musicians' fees, music costs, etc. are involved, support of this venture is important. For details, phone Michel Schneuwly. 23-5539.

NEDBANK PROMS

The British are hot on nostalgia and never more so than at the annual Last Night of the Nedbank Proms. Join in the fun atmosphere on October 3 at 19h30 in the City Hall when Richard Cock con-ducts the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, the Durban Symphonic Choir and the Maritzburg Singers.

Soloists include South Africa's own three tenors Edwin Mthlakoane, Mfanafuthi Hlophe and Musa Nkunu as well as soprano Bronwen Forbay. Also appea-ring will be the KZN Youth Wind Band and the Caledonian Pipe Band

The second half of the concert is when the fun really starts, with streamers, flags and balloons and the singing of ever-popular traditional `Prom' pieces.

Afterwards, there will be a party in the basement supper room.

Doors open at 18h30 and tickets range from R35 to R75, with part of the pro-ceeds going to the 1820 Bursary Fund for tertiary education.

The programme will be repeated, al-though not under Nedbank sponsorship, in the Pietermaritzburg City Hall on October 10. Tickets at R45 and R55.

LUTHER VAN DROSS

The Luther van Dross/Regina Belle Concert takes place at the Kings Park Stadium on October 2.

Book at Computicket.

NEW CD OF SA SERIOUS MUSIC

Michael Green, former newspaper edi-tor and music critic, comments on Obelisk Music's recent CD release of piano works by SA composers.

South Africa's composers of serious music are rather thin on the ground. My copy of Greene's Biographical Encyclo-paedia of Composers lists over 2 400 classical composers, but as far as I can make out there are only two South Afri-cans: Priaulx Rainier, who was born in Howick in 1903 and Victor Hely-Hutchinson (1901-1947), who spent most of his life in England but was born in Cape Town because his father was then governor of the Cape Colony.

Nevertheless, most local cognoscenti would, I think, rate Arnold van Wyk (1916-1983) and Hubert du Plessis (1922 --) as among South Africa's fore-most composers, both of them moderns, both sons of the rural Cape (Calvinia and Malmesbury) and both long-term students at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

A compact disc recording of some of their piano music was made recently by Benjamin Fourie (born in Pietermaritz-burg in 1961, now based in Windhoek).

Thirty years ago the music of van Wyk and du Plessis was regarded as avant

-garde. Today? Well, it's not exactly singalong, but it's more approachable than the music of people like Harrison Birtwistle or Karlheinz Stockhausen.

Benjamin Fourie plays Arnold van Wyk's Pastorale and Capriccio and the eight short pieces called Night Music (all written between 1948 and 1958). The Pastorale is tranquil and solemn, the Capriccio fierce and dissonant. In the programme notes, Benjamin Fourie speculates that this music might reflect the harsh landscapes of the Karoo, and it is a persuasive theory.

Hubert du Plessis's Seven Preludes, written in 1955 and 1956, cover a wide range of emotions and moods, from exuberance to melancholy. Fourie sees elements of Liszt and perhaps he is right, though I would say there are also echoes of Debussy and Schumann.

Difficult music to play and interpret and Benjamin Fourie gives skilful and au-thoritative performances. Difficult to listen to, too, but repeated hearings unfold the full quality of this imposing yet subtle music.

If you can't find the disc locally, contact Obelisk Music, PO Box 11707, Dorpspruit, 3206 or Benjamin Fourie, PO Box 9978, Windhoek, Namibia.

WIND BAND

Apart from performing outside the City Hall on October 3 from 18h45 as the audience arrives for the Last Night of the Nedbank Proms, the KZN Natal Youth Wind Band will play on October 11 at 11h30 at La Lucia Mall and for a supper theatre on October 17 at Durban Prep High School. To book phone Mrs Anette Briscoe on 84-7529.

Auditions for new members will take place on October 3 at DHS at 14h00. Anyone interested should contact Mrs Ilke Wigens on 29-5023 to arrange a suitable time.

LAKE MUSIC

Enjoy an afternoon with your friends, family and the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra at Durban Botanic Gardens on October 4 for another popular Nedbank Music at the Lake concert. Arrive early to secure a picnic spot and enjoy a selection of much-loved, popular classics. These concerts are hosted by the Friends of Botanic Gardens.

Starting times differ from concert to concert. Check daily press for times.

CHAMBER MUSIC

The University of Natal and the Oude Meester Foundation for the Performing Arts will present a programme of chamber music by Sergey Prokofiev, Ralph Vaughan-Williams and Dimitry Shostakovitch in Howard College Theatre at 19h30 on October 6. The concert will feature David Smith (piano), Isaac Melamed (violin), Ashley Ross (clarinet) and Delwynne Windell (tenor).

Tickets at R15 (students R5) at the door.

DURBAN LUNCH HOUR CONCERTS

If you work in town and need something to do in the lunch-hour on Wednesdays, take in Durban Arts free lunch hour concerts on the City Hall Steps at 13h00.

African Heroes appear on October 12.

Oct 7: KHOLWA BROTHERS - This isicathamiya group sings gospel music similar to King Messengers Quartet. Their leader is Derrick Mlambo.

Oct 14: HOME ROVERS - a group who play most of the cover songs.

Oct 21: AFRICAN HEROES - An "Isinqi" gospel group from Emlazi and led by Sithembiso Zungu.

Oct 28: NATHI & FRIENDS - A Technikon Natal department of music group who play jazz and fusion. Nathi Zungu leads this talented band of students.

For information regarding the Steps concerts, phone Patrick Zungu on 23-1236

DURBAN FOLK CLUB

The Durban Folk Club meets on Mondays at the Tusk Inn, 103 Sarnia Road at 20h00. Entrance R7 (members R3). The programme for October is:

Oct 5: Steve Fataar, with Tara and guests, plays contemporary music in his own style.

Oct 12: Jason Tonkin specialises in Rodriguez and original compositions.

Oct 19: Annual Classical Evening.

Oct 26: Bryan Adams style rock band, Midnight Sun - acoustic and electric.

Details from Adi Paxton on 21-2515.

HILTON JAZZ

Sandile Shange and Friends will play at the Durban Hilton Hotel on October 1 at 18h30 to celebrate the launch of Durban Hilton/Martell Brandy Rivets Jazz Sea-son which will feature local artistes and celebrate the diversity of jazz genres. Every Thursday evening for 12 weeks there will be a jazz session from 18h30 to 21h30 in the popular Rivets bar.

Jazz stalwarts such as the Kerdachi Brothers have been approached, as have established musos of the calibre of Colin Mairs, Mfana Mlambo and Trevor Harper. Virtuoso players such as Lex Futshane, Neil Gonzalves and Feya Faku can be seen alongside young bloods, Prince Kupi and Megeshen Naidoo.

The event has been underwritten by the Durban Hilton and sponsored by Martell Brandy. Jazz is rapidly recovering the popularity it deserves and the Hilton season is a definite boost for jazz in KZN. Watch the daily press for band details and listen to P4 radio for pro-gramme updates.

The Sowetan, Caltex and SABC1 KZN Massed Choir Festival takes place at the International Convention Centre on November 1. The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra will join more than 20 choirs from across the province for this cele-bration of oratorio, opera and traditional music which will be televised nationally.

UND LUNCH MUSIC

The Music Department of the University of Natal holds free lunch-hour concerts during the academic term in Howard College Theatre (unless otherwise indicated) from 12h15 to 12h55. Mem-bers of the public welcome to attend.

Oct 5: Vivek Ram performs a sitar recital of North Indian classical music.

Oct 12: (Please note change of venue) Scooters' Union in the Students' Union Hall, led by UND music graduate Greg Leisegang, play their unique brand of indigenous, highly intelligent rock music.

Oct 19: Jeff Robinson. Newly-appointed to the music department staff, he will performs his style of saxophone jazz.

Oct 21: Operatic Arias in costume performed by students of Colleen Philp.

Oct 26: NU African Music Ensemble

CLASSIC PERFORMERS

The University of Natal music depart-ment will present its annual Classical Performers' Competition on October 30 at 19h30 in Howard College Theatre when the department's top performers compete for prizes on a variety of instruments.

Tickets R10 and R5 at the door.

SYMPHONY SERIES

The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra is in full swing with the spring season of its 1998 Work Symphony Series.

The concert on October 1 will be con-ducted by Arjan Tien and features Musa Nkunu and Shannon LaBonte in Britten's Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, op.31. Other works on the programme are Kodaly's Dances of Galanta and Bizet's Symphony No.1 in C Major.

The season includes the prestigious Annual Youth Concerto Festival on October 8 when KZNPO Conductor Laureate David Tidboald conducts a programme which showcases South Africa's top young talent.

David Tidboald also conducts the first concert of the KZNPO's Birthday Bash

JAZZ HAPPY HOURS

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at the University of Natal holds regular Happy Hours on Wednesdays at 17h00. This month there is a feast for jazz lovers with an extended programme which includes an international series(*) of three special two-hour concerts from October 9 to 16. (Note different times):

Oct 7 (17h00): NU Voices

Oct 9 (19h30)*: Jazz Ambassadors from Kansas City, USA - Angela Hagenbach (vocals) and Joseph Cartwright (piano), one of seven duos selected by the Kennedy Center in Washington to tour the world as jazz ambassadors in 1998.

Oct 14 (17h00): Studentensemble of the HDK Berlin directed by American vibraphone virtuoso David Friedman and ace German bassist Sigi Busch who will perform original music.

Oct 16 (19h30)*: Dutch pianist Jasper van't Hoft. An established name throughout Europe, he last performed in South Africa with Kenny Wheeler and as leader of his own trio in 1993.

Oct 21 (17h00): Simon Bates & Sounds of the Sax.

Oct 28 (17h00): Natalie (vocals) Roland (piano), Simon, Mandla and Bernard (saxes) Mpho (drums) & Piwe (bass)

Tickets at the door. For details phone the Jazz Centre on 260-3385.

(NB: Programme is subject to change)

BROADWAY MUSIC

New York State of Mind is a slick, sophisticated celebration of Broadway show tunes.

Featuring melodies from the 1930s to the present day, the show was conceived and staged by Bryan Hill and was first staged at the Natal Playhouse in 1992.

New York State of Mind is not just another tribute show. It is performed in various differing styles, ranging from jazz and rhythm and blues to soaring ballads and ensemble pieces in the style of Manhattan Transfer.

This all-new version features the proven musical theatre talents of Luciano Zuppa, Tarryn Sudding, Samantha Peo and Lance Maron performing with a live band. Set and lighting is designed by Stan Knight, with fresh arrangements by musical director Clifford Cooper.

Audiences can expect to hear well-known favourites from My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Carousel, Guys and Dolls, Sweet Charity, Man of La Mancha and The King and I.

There are also medleys from Grease, The Lion King and Chicago as well as numbers from new shows such as Rent, Beauty and the Beast and Ragtime.

New York State of Mind runs in the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from October 15 to November 8.

CAMERATA CHOIR FOR DURBAN

The Camerata Choir from Denmark

The 30-members Copenhagen Chamber Choir, one of the best mixed voices choirs in Denmark, will tour SA for the first time showcasing Scandinavian choir music. A highlight of their repertoire will be the first rendering of

an original piece composed especially for the tour by SA composer Hans Roosenschoon from Stellenbosch.

The Camerata Choir will give one performance in St Paul's Church on October 9 at 19h30.

NIGHT MUSIC

A slice of London's West End comes to South Africa as UK stars fly in, cour-tesy of British Airways, to tour their musical hits concert - The Music of the Night - from November 2 to 15.

Featuring original medleys from some of the world's most popular musicals, the show will star four of the biggest names on the West End stage, including Sarah Ryan, currently playing the lead role of Christine in the West End production of Phantom of the Opera (originally written for Sarah Brightman).

KZN performances will take place at the Drakensberg Choir School (November 8 at 19h00); Hilton College Theatre (November 9 at 19h30), and Durban City Hall (November 10 at 19h30).

For tickets call Scott's Promotions on (0332) 30-5103 or fax 30-3262. Booking also at Computicket.

"The world is celebrating the 40th year in showbiz of a real life Peter Pan, Cliff Richard," says popular entertainer Colin Penn whose latest show, Sir Cliff con-tinues his successful nostalgia series.

"Having been involved with Cliff on one of his early visits to Durban I spent much of my professional musician days playing his hits," adds Colin, assuring fans that his cast and musicians will stay true to the original music.

The role of Cliff will be taken by Devlin Lindeque, seen recently in The Beatles at the Playhouse. Playing The Shadows will be Turquoise members Simon Pontin (ex Urban Creep) on bass guitar and Graeme Barnes on lead with Colin Peddie (ex Halcyon Days) on rhythm guitar and Malcolm Sewell (Tim Wells Band) on drums.

Sir Cliff runs from October 7 to 18 at the Courtyard Theatre at 19h45 with Saturday matinées at 14h30 and Sunday shows at 18h00.

As always, many charities benefit from Colin Penn's productions and Sir Cliff is no exception with 10 causes using the production for fund-raising purposes.

Bookings only through 84-9305.

Before the show, enjoy `Spuds Galore', a series of giant baked potatoes on sale in the coffee show at no more than R12.

C YOU THERE

The popular series, An ABC of Song presented by soprano Suzanne Atwill and pianist Norman Hesom, continues this month with "C" You There. Guest artist will be well-known Pietermaritzburg baritone John Butler.

On the programme will be songs from musicals such as Carousel, Camelot and Careless Rapture, to name a few.

Performances take place on October 25 as well as November 1 and 8 at 14h30 in the St James Anglican Church Hall, (cnr Innes and Venice Roads). Tickets R15 from Suzanne on 306-0140 or at door.

KANAWA TOUR OFF

Sad news that last month's Kiri te Kanawa tour of South Africa was can-celled because of insufficient booking although Durban's advance was higher than the rest of the country. Proves we are the most discerning arts lovers!

This was doubly sad because KZN Phil-harmonic Orchestra director Bongani Tembe negotiated for the star to sing in Durban with the KZNPO rather than bring an orchestra from Johannesburg. All kudos to him for his efforts.

THE STUDENT PRINCE

Adapted for the stage by Dorothy Donnelly and scored by Sigmund Romberg, The Student Prince has proved itself an enduring and ever-popular piece of musical theatre. The Touring Performing Arts Board will present its acclaimed production of the operetta in the Playhouse from November 11 to 19.

Directed by Hans van Heerden, the show has already enjoyed successful runs in Bloemfontein and Cape Town and was the Free State FNB Vita award winner for best production of 1997/98.

Set design is by Johan Badenhorst and the costumes are from the PACOFS wardrobe. Conductor is Lykele Temmingh.

Booking is already open at Computicket.

FOM RECITAL

Friends of Music will present a recital on October 7 at 19h45 in the Durban Jewish Club. University of Durban-Westville opera school students under the direction of James and Ros Conrad, will no doubt again attract the same enthusiastic response as at their previous successful recital for FOM. Book at Computicket.