World Symphony Series EARLY SPRING Season ~ COncert 2

Prepare for a night of rhythm, romance, and radiance that spans the deeply rooted folk rhythms of Hungary, the soaring romanticism of Germany, and the vast landscapes of Finland. You will relish an extraordinary evening of masterworks, brought to life under the baton of visionary maestra Debora Waldman and featuring the acclaimed violin virtuoso Lidia Baich.

The evening ignites with Kodály’s high-octane Dances of Galánta. Drawing from the high-spirited, syncopated rhythms of traditional Romani bands from his childhood home, Kodály crafts a brilliant sonic tapestry. Composed in 1933 for the 80th anniversary of the Budapest Philharmonic Society, this colourful work features brilliant wind writing and bravura string tutti passagework, spiralling into a series of dizzying, adrenaline-fueled dances that will leave you breathless.

Next, the spotlight turns to superstar soloist Lidia Baich for Bruch’s G-minor violin concerto. When Joseph Joachim – the 19th-century violin titan who championed the concertos of Beethoven, Brahms, and Mendelssohn – crowned Max Bruch’s masterpiece as the ‘richest, most seductive’ of them all, he set a monumental standard. As one of the most beloved works in the entire violin repertoire, this concerto is pure emotional gravity. From its mysterious opening whispers to the famously fiery finale, Baich’s artistry will guide you through Bruch’s lush, meltingly beautiful melodies and jaw-dropping technical pyrotechnics.

Finally, we step into the sweeping grandeur of the North with Sibelius’s Symphony No. 5. Written during a time of deep personal and global turmoil, this symphony is an ultimate triumph of the human spirit. It is most famous for its magnificent “Swan Hymn” in the final movement—a majestic, swinging theme inspired by the composer witnessing sixteen swans taking flight at sunset. It is a radiant, life-affirming conclusion to a spectacular night of music. Secure your seats now for an unforgettable encounter with orchestral majesty.

Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026
Time: 19:00
Venue: Playhouse Opera Theatre, 231 Anton Lembede Street, Durban
Tickets: Season Tickets available through our office on 031 369 9437/8 or info@kznphil.org.za

Single tickets available online through Quicket or at the door

https://qkt.io/LHCDlK

We look forward to sharing an evening of beautiful music with you!