The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra (KZNPO) is set to bring Women’s Month to a close with a female-only concert that will feature two international musicians.
The last Spring season concert takes place on Thursday, August 29, at The Playhouse Opera at 7pm.
At the helm of the concert will be internationally-acclaimed Panamanian-American maestra, Kalena Bovell.
She will open the programme with Holst’s St Paul’s Suite, a popular work for string orchestra.
Bovell has worked as the orchestra director at the independent college preparatory boarding school, Loomis Chaffee School, and, in 2015, staged the “Swan Princess”, an adaptation of Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky.
She is also the only African-American and Hispanic conductor in the United States.
Meanwhile, Indian-American pianist, Pallavi Mahidhara, a popular figure with South African audiences, will return to delight her fans with Saint-Saëns’s, “Piano Concerto No 2”.
Composed in 1868, it is the most popular of the composer’s five piano concertos.
Mahidhara career includes her solo and orchestral concerts across five continents and in prestigious festivals such as the Gstaad Menuhin Festival and the Marlboro Music and Verbier Festival.
She is also the executive producer, writer and host of “The Conscious Artist”, a podcast designed to promote mental health awareness for performing artists.
The Spring season concert will come to an end with Mendelssohn’s Reformation symphony.
Where: The Playhouse at Opera in Durban Central.
When: Thursday, August 29, at 7pm.
Cost: Tickets cost R113 and can be purchased at Quicket.
Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering
Put on your kilt and head down to Nottingham this weekend for the annual Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering.
The festival is set to be a bumper event that celebrates Scotland’s heritage and ancient traditions.
There will be an amazing line-up of athletes and Scottish performers at the event.
Inspired by the world famous Braemar Gathering, the South African replica has been given a contemporary family-friendly local twist.
While the prime focus remains the Highland athletics, in which teams of men and women compete against each other in unusual sporting codes like Tossing the Caber, Carrying the weight, Weight over the bar, Tug o’ War and Putting of the Stone, there are plenty of other activities that visitors to look forward to.
The public can change their clothes for a kilt and take part in the Kilted Mile, which sees participants run up and down a mixed terrain. Tickets for the race cost R100 and will be on sale on the day.
Sporting activities will be interspersed with the energetic performances from the Pipe and Drum Bands of the Pietermaritzburg and Durban Calledonian Societies.
This year, the Transvaal Scottish Pipes and Drums will be joining the celebration with their magnificent music and field performances.
All bands will also participate in a field marching exhibition, a stage show and a mass performance during the opening ceremony.
There will also be a fire engine performance, a vintage automobile drive-by and a display escorted by a charming horse and carriage, Medieval Fight Club demonstrations and the usually spectacular Haggis ceremony, among the other attractions.
Festival-goers will be treated to Scottish and folk dancing, talks and an extensive village market promoting handmade goods and craft items from the the Midlands.
A beer garden with craft beers and artisanal spirits will be on sale. Foodies can also enjoy a variety of offerings at different food stalls.
Where: The Fort Nottingham Museum and surrounding area.
When: Saturday, August 24.
Cost: Adults pay R120, pensioners and teenagers pay R70 and kids under 12 enter for free. Tickets can be purchased at Quicket.
Music from Scotland
Pack your picnic baskets and beverages and head to the DLI Hall to continue the Scottish celebrations.
The concert will include performances from the Durban Caledonian Society Pipe Band, Pietermaritzburg Caledonian Pipe Band, King Shaka Regiment Pipe Band and various guest artists.
Where: The DLI Hall in Greyville.
When: Sunday, August 25, at 2pm.
Cost: Tickets cost R110 each or R900 for a table of ten. For bookings, contact Ken Mustard 031 702 5311 or email at kenmustard@mcclungs.co.za.
Umhlanga Food and Music Festival
The 2024 Umhlanga Food and Music Festival is set host an array of tantalising artisanal food stalls, the finest craft beers and some of South Africa's top music acts.
Gather your family and friends to enjoy the ultimate day out with talented Cape Town musician and songwriter, Will Linley, who will once again headline the popular gathering.
Where: The Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga.
When: Sunday, August 25, from 12pm.
Cost: Tickets range from R200 to R300 and are available at Webtickets.