World Symphony Series SPRING Season ~ COncert 2

The acclaimed German maestro Christian Schumann takes the helm for our second concert, bringing his trademark energy and mastery of intricate scores to the stage. He opens the evening with Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture. Written in 1807 for a play by Heinrich Joseph von Collin, the piece bridges classical tradition and romantic intensity. From the very first bar, fierce chords seize the room, setting a high-drama scene. The driving, marching rhythms capture an unyielding Roman general caught between vengeance and desperate pleas, while a tender melody offers a brief respite before the storm rushes back in. It is an exhilarating, eight-minute masterpiece of theatrical tension.

The heart of the night shifts to more Beethoven, showcasing the artistry of renowned Japanese pianist Yu Kosuge. Famed for her dazzling technique and deep musical insight, she takes on the revolutionary Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, premiered by Beethoven in Vienna in 1808. Breaking convention, the work begins not with a loud orchestral fanfare, but with a quiet, intimate whisper from the solo piano. A moving musical conversation unfolds, anchored by the legendary second movement—a dramatic face-off where a wall of heavy orchestral sound is slowly melted by tender lyricism. Luminous and breathtaking, it remains a true titan of the keyboard repertoire.

The mood then transforms for the evening’s finale: Georges Bizet’s Symphony in C major. Written in 1855 when the composer was just seventeen and studying at the Paris Conservatoire, this radiant gem was lost for decades until rediscovered in 1933. Evoking the classical worlds of Haydn and Mozart, it bubbles over with youthful joy and sparkling creativity. The outer movements overflow with infectious energy, blending classical wit with French grace. At its core lies the sublime Adagio, featuring a soul-stirring oboe solo. It is a vibrant conclusion guaranteed to leave you spellbound!

Date: Thursday, 19 November 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 https://qkt.io/uVfZUZ

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