A GRAND EXTRAVAGANZA CONCERT

Tickets : R80

As we ease into the final weeks of the year don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy an amazing and exceptional concert of music in Kloof. Combining three separate concert ideas in one varied event, Christopher Duigan - well-known concert pianist and concert entrepreneur - compiles a unique and extraordinary event featuring the cream of young KZN talent that is not to be missed.

The concert starts with classical master-pieces by Beethoven and Mozart featuring an all-South African team of soloists from the Kwa Zulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra: Kirsten Sayers (clarinet), Maggi Deppe (oboe), Marian van Duyker (French horn) and Anele Mnguni, (bassoon). Christopher Duigan (piano) joins at the piano to play the Quintets for Winds and Piano by Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Shortly after the premiere of his Quintet on E-flat major K452 March, 1784 in Vienna, Mozart wrote to his father: "I myself consider it to be the best thing I have written in my life." Mozart’s Quintet was the inspiration for the 26 year-old Ludwig van Beethoven who composed his Quintet for the same combination of instruments and in the same key of E-flat major, twelve years later. The young Beethoven’s expansive style is clearly evident in this music. A newcomer to Vienna, Beethoven had quickly made his mark, dazzling all with his power as pianist and improviser, the extraordinary emotional intensity of his playing, and his brilliantly original compositions.

The second part of the concert features Maxine Matthews (alto saxophone). Born in Mauritius, Maxine started studied saxophone under the tutelage of Werner Dannewitz and Theo Venter at the Durban Music School and recently returned to Durban following three years of study in Athens and Besancon, France. She was awarded her “Diplome de Perfecctionement” (Perfectionment Diploma) in June this year with distinction bringing her studies in France to a close. Maxine, currently undertaking a private study year in Durban is moving to Liverpool in September 2012 to take up a highly sought after position in the class of music at Paul McCartney's school of performing arts specializing in Music, Dance, and Drama; the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA). Christopher Duigan joins Maxine at the piano in a varied programme that ranges from revised classical repertoire by Glinka, to the be-bop inspired Sonata by Phil Woods, nuevo-tango by Astor Piazzolla and dash of local flavour with music by South African composer Richard Guinness.

The last component of the programme features Christopher Duigan in a solo capacity playing selections of music by Franz Liszt. Probably the greatest pianist of all-time, Hungarian-born Franz Liszt (1811-1886), a pianist of extraordinary technical and musical virtuosity, is celebrated around the world this year on the 200th anniversary of his birth. Selecting from his all-Liszt programmes presented earlier this year Duigan features a number of high-energy performance pieces from the composer’s varied output including the Hungarian Rhapsody No 6 and music from Years of Pilgrimage, Liszt's most extensive and poetic work.

THE GRAND EXTRVAGANZA on THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER at the St Agnes Church in Kloof begins at 7:30 pm. Duration is 120 minutes including interval. Refreshments will be on sale at interval and parking is secure.

Booking is advised as places are limited. To book call St Agnes Church, Kloof 031 764 2037 or email booking@musicrevival.co.za.