WSS Summer Season 2025 – Concert 2

The distinguished Ukrainian-born Mark Kadin brings his expertise to the KZN Philharmonic podium for the second concert of the Summer Season, essaying music by Haydn, Chopin and Mendelssohn. The maestro makes an astute choice for his curtain-raiser with the enchanting ‘Toy’ Symphony by Frantz Joseph Haydn – affectionately dubbed ‘Papa Haydn’ by his friend and fellow composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The work’s cuckoo clock calls, percussive sound effects and quirky humour are sure to engage concert-goers of all ages. 

Spanish virtuoso Leo de Maria takes the spotlight for the evening’s centrepiece. Chopin wrote his e minor Piano Concerto at the age of 19. Cast in the grand virtuoso tradition, it was intended as a vehicle for the composer’s own concerts, with the spotlight well and truly trained on the soloist. The imposing first movement’s bravura flights give way to the slow movement, a moonlit Romance, enhanced by muted violins.  The rondo finale exultantly goes into free fall mode, with dazzling scales, ornamentation, and themes reminiscent of Polish folk or gypsy music. 

Mendelssohn went to Italy in October 1830. His impressions of the trip were recorded in a series of watercolours and sketches – and notably with his Italian Symphony. There is nothing particularly Italian about the piece until its final movement. Rather, the work graphically conjures a series of impressions of Italy – the sparkle of Mediterranean sunshine, religious pageantry, lavish art, magnificent architecture, and far-flung countryscapes. He finished the symphony in 1832, and it was first performed in London in 1833 to wide acclaim. The composer himself was dissatisfied with his ‘offspring’ – but posterity’s response gave his diffidence the lie.  The work has long since been held in high esteem by audiences and orchestra managements the world over, occupying a central position on the international concert platform.       

Please note that this performance may be filmed. By entering the event, you are entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur.

THERE ARE NO OPEN REHEARSALS FOR THIS SEASON.

Season tickets are only available through our offices on marketing@kznphil.org.za or 031 369 9438. Single tickets may be purchased through Quicket.

We look forward to sharing a wealth of superb music-making with you all!