DURBAN ARTS ASSOCIATION NEWS

DAA/BAT CONCERT



As a concrete gesture towards concilia- tion between Durban Arts and BAT, the Durban City Orchestra (one of the oldest groups funded by Durban Arts) has been invited to stage a concert in the BAT Hall some time after March 1



This was confirmed by Paul Mikula, trustee of Bartel Arts Trust following discussions between Durban Arts, the DCO and Bartel Arts Trust el Fairhurst: "There have been some unhappy misunderstandings between DAA and BAT in the past. But that is all behind us. From now on we see ourselves as complementary, fighting the battle for the arts, in Greater Durban."

This concert follows an offer from the DCO to perform at any venue of Durban Arts's choice to show their appreciation of DAA's struggle to win funds for them from the Durban Metro Council



One of the oldest, most substantial non-professional arts bodies in the City, the DCO goes back 115 years to its establishment in 1881 and since 1983, DAA has been its main sponsor. When the DAA grant for 1995/96 was delayed five months, it left this outstanding body of musicians in desperate straits



FIGHT
Explains Fairhurst: "Durban Arts never gave up the fight and as soon as funds came through, our annual allocation to the DCO was paid in December."The BAT Hall was designed by architect Paul Mikula to stretch to 400-500 seats that will bed the size of audience targeted by the DCO for its concert



Under recent successive conductors the DCO has built up into a highly proficient ensemble of 50 to 60 players, with a stiffening of four professionals at each concert. Two violinists, one cellist and one bassoonist coach the amateurs at every rehearsal and performance by their presence and example



WATERFRONT
The waterfront concert will have a turnout of 55 players under the DCO's new conductor, Russian born Naum Rousime, whose stipend is also paid by Durban Arts. Th ll fit the venue and circumstances of this free concert



Fairhurst would like to see the DCO stage regular concerts at BAT's waterfront venue, "Surely the ideal setting for a greater harbour city and seaside resort."For more information, phone Noel Fairhurst on 23-1236

DURBAN ARTS LUNCHTIME MUSIC



Every Wednesday Durban Arts hosts free lunch hour concerts from 13h00 to 14h00 on the City Hall steps. These concerts provide a platform for new and often untried talent. Many bands who made their debut on "The Steps" have gone on to make their name in the local music world



The line-up for this month is:
Mar 6: GEE TEE X AFRO JAZZ who perform African Jazz and Mbhaqanga music


Mar 13: AMAKHOLWA HIGH BROTHERS This Isicathamiya group originated in Umlazi and was formed in 1990 by Derrick Mlambo, assisted by Robert Mbambo.
The group, which also combines gospel and love songs with dancing, has offered a remarkable contribution towards peace restoration and togetherness among the communities especially in Durban



Mar 20: BRUIN FUNK PRODUCTION - this is the combination of two groups: The Real One (TRO) and Fame Dance Theatre. Bruin Funk, which performs the kind of music and dancing that exists in the Coloured community, originated from Newlands East. This is funk and soul with a jazz base. Leader and vocalist Warren Cowen is an administrator of the arts in Newlands East



Mar 27: MAKHAHLELA NOMITHETHO OMUSHA - this group was formed in 1994 in Valley View, Hammars y Vusi Langa, Sdumbe Shozi, Mfulathelwa Cele and Musa Ndimande. All play various instruments and sing the traditional Omaskandi music. They came second in the 1995 Omaskandi competition organised by Sipho Mchunu of Juluka which was held in Pietermaritzburg



PINEVILLE MARKETS
Pineville Junction Craft Village in Pinetown (Stapleton Road) holds a craft market every Saturday



For more information, phone 72-5149