HAVING just returned from a triumphant tour of northern Germany, the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Orchestra will perform its year-end gala concert at the Jewish Club in Durban on Sunday 29 September at 5pm.
The KZNYO Gala Concert will feature the youth orchestra’s tour programme which includes three original new South African works, as well as traditional classical music and recognisable African rhythms. Attendance if free, however, donations would be welcome.
The orchestra’s German tour involved a week-long musical collaboration between the KZNYO and Durban’s sister city, Bremen.
This culminated with the orchestra performing to an audience of 17 000 at the 25th anniversary of the annual open-air concert, Musik and Licht am Hollersee.
The orchestra also toured to other cities in northern Germany, including Jena, Weimar and Leipzig, and performed at venues such as Germany’s oldest university, the University of Jena.
KZNYO member, Sarah Camp (15) said this tour was an opportunity of a lifetime. “Not only did we have the experience of performing in fantastic venues, but we were also hosted by members of various German youth orchestras and so were able to socialise with and learn from our German counterparts,” said Sarah.
The KZNYO is comprised of the cream of young musical talent in KZN and is open to all KZN youth between the ages of 12 and 25. The KZNYO aims to develop and nurture musical ability and orchestral playing in a supportive environment.
It performs under the baton of maestro Lyk Temmingh, who is the resident conductor with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, with whom the youth orchestra is affiliated.
KZNYO auditions for the 2014 KZN Youth Orchestra will be held from 11 to 12 October at St Mary’s School, Kloof. New members are welcome. Members should have reached a grade 3 level of playing or above. To book an audition slot, contact Beth on 071 948 5763, e-mail: finance@kznyo.co.za or visit the KZNYO website, www.kznyo.co.za.
