Dust off your smart shoes, cos we’re going to the symphony!

I started attending the concerts alone a couple of weeks ago. As a violinist, I needed a classical music fix; I can take only so many electro-clash dance parties. I was befriended by a man who told me he used to sneak into the city hall in the 70’s when non-whites were not allowed and saw the Spanish guitarist who invented the 10-string guitar. Apparently 6-strings just weren’t enough.

The KwaZulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra is really lovely. Last Thursday’s concert was a rad Russian pianist who banged out a tough Chopin in the first half and the orchestra finished the concert with a climatic Brahms symphony. Each week, there is a different theme with a new soloist and conductor, making each show an original event.

Why attend these concerts?

Because you are one classy individual, a lover of art, music, and culture. There are so many connections between music today and classical music, which you can hear in symphonic pop like Sufjan Stevens or The Flaming Lips. You’ll get more out of the music you listen to by understanding where it came from. Attend a show and see for yourself the connections between these musical traditions.

And it’s great fun to go downtown at night. The scene on Florida Rd. can get a bit stale, I know that I get a bit bored with the Mr. Price clones. The symphony is something new and different. City Hall is all lit up and surrounded by lush palm trees, making it beautiful at night. The inside of the hall is gorgeous with a huge pipe organ and lovely stained glass windows.

I see all the hip Durban cats at art openings and I believe orchestra concerts are the new cultural place to be. But, fully appreciating classical music may take some time. Luckily, the symphony is a great place to people watch. Check out the flashy eastern European fashion on the first violin section or look towards the cello section to spot a local indie-musician.

There is an intermission half way and this is the time to crash the corporate party up stairs for free booze and look at the beautiful cityscape from the halls outside balcony.

After the concert have a coffee at the swanky, kitschy Royal Hotel Coffee shop or go around the block to the English-style dive bar, The Albany. The next concert is Thursday, October 26th at 7:30 pm. Clare Welfare will perform the Vaughan Williams’ “The Wasps Overture” and “Oboe Concerto” with the symphony. Stick around for the Grieg’s “Peer Gynt - Suites No. 1 & 2” in the second half.

You can look at the schedule or get tickets at http://www.kznpo.co.za/.