Last night I attended a KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic performance conducted by Daniel Boico. The venue was historic Durban City Hall, and it was an exciting evening of music and singing!
People warn that central Durban isn’t safe at night, but the well-lighted area had ample security. The historic old building looked beautiful. Zulu and belly dancers performed in the upper and lower mezzanine before and after the performance,
KwaZulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra
The orchestra beautifully performed three compositions:
- Rossini Semiramide Overture – orchestra only
- Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33 – cellist
- Haydn Excerpts The Creation – opera singers and choir
The Clermont Community Choir and five outstanding soloists enhanced the choir:
- Aristide du Plessis – Cello
- S’Bongile Mntambo – Soprano
- Siphokazi Maphumulo – Mezzo-Soprano
- Thando Mjandana – Tenor
- Mthunzi Nokubeka – Bass
Clermont Community Choir
All performers have impressive histories. The Clermont Community Choir, managed by Wiseman Mkhize, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The 85-member Choir is the “undefeated champion at the famous prestigious Old Mutual National Choir Festival.” The Choir specializes in “different music genres with special focus on choral, opera, indigenous, and classical”. Members vary from scholars, students, workers, and those unemployed.
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Durban became the first city in South Africa and on the African continent to become a UNESCO World City of Literature in 2018.
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Mayor Zandile Gumede
Mayor Zandile Gumede spoke and congratulated the choir not only for their 25 years of music, but also for being Durban ambassadors. During Nelson Mandela International Day in 2013, the choir represented South Africa on a tour with the KZN Philharmonic in France. Mandela loved the choir. They helped soothe grieving South Africans by singing at his funeral.
Cellist Atistide du Plessis
Talented cellist Atistide du Plessis has won many prizes and performed in Zürich, Vienna, Munich, and Berlin. Du Plessis is co-principal cellist with the Philharmonic.
Daniel Boico
Associate guest conductor Daniel Boico has produced performances worldwide, including the US, Europe, Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. He was Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic 2009-2011 and apprentice conductor to Chicago Symphony Music Director Daniel Barenboim.
Durban City Hall
City Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in Durban. Built in 1910 and designed by architect Stanley Hudson, it “boasts a distinctly dramatic Neo-Baroque style“. The building is described as an “exaggerated structure that oozes grandeur and elegance”. It’s stunning, especially at night.
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City Hall is “bedecked with sculptures that represent different facets of modern South Africa”.
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Like Cape Town, Durban’s City Hall is an important cultural venue:
- Municipal Chambers
- Public Auditorium
- Art Gallery
- Natural Science Museum
- Public Library
City Hall is “more than a remnant of old architecture. It provides residents and international visitors with practical resources and a fascinating context”.
City Hall sculptures represent Arts, Music, Literature, Commerce, and Industry. The building is in central Durban near the Royal Hotel, Durban Playhouse, and other key attractions:
