Hamming it up at the British Cultural & Heritage Association offices in Glenwood, ahead of ‘Music en Masse’, are KZN Philharmonic musicians Graham Alexander (violin), Jonalene Taylor (double bass) and conductor Russell Scott. Picture: Supplied
The British Cultural & Heritage Association presents Music en Masse 2024 – a participative and fun orchestral concert which aims to bring together musicians – anyone who can read and play music – of all ages and cultures in KwaZulu-Natal for a concert performed by “the biggest orchestra ever seen in Durban”, to take place in the DLI Hall in Greyville on Sunday at 2.30pm.
The concert has become an annual event – part of Durban’s musical calendar – featuring a public performance by a massed orchestra, under the baton of Russell Scott, which aims to serve the interests of the arts, culture and musical education in Durban.
The organisers are looking for participants to join in.
The concert features a varied programme of orchestral favourites and eclectic musical numbers, such as the National Anthem; Texidor Amporita Rocca; Capua O Solo Mio; Bizet’s Carmen Suite; Newman’s Por Una Cabeza; Mozart’s Non Piu Andrai; Nino Rota’s Love Theme from The Godfather; Moricone’s I Knew I loved you; Schoenberg’s On my own; Zimmer themes from Gladiator; and Ophenbach’s Can Can.
There will also be interludes by guest artists, a pipe band, and a pre-performance programme by marimba players.
Among the performers are: Jitske Brien (violin) and Nina Watson (piano) and vocalists Ramze Williams, Walther de Bruin and Grace McIlroy.
The British Cultural & Heritage Association is invested in musical inclusion and outreach. The vision of this concert it to provide a platform for all musicians, young and old, to develop their skills; provide an opportunity for amateur musicians to play as part of a full orchestra in an official concert; and to facilitate the advancement and development of cultural activities and the arts, fulfilling one of the association’s roles in the local community.
“We are delighted to be able to provide a unique afternoon function for the entertainment of Durban residents, contributing to the development of the arts in KZN by making the concert a participative afternoon of support for young musicians and, in so doing, stimulating an interest in and an enthusiasm for orchestral music in Durban,” said co-ordinator Cheri Steenberg from the association.
The Mercury