South Africa’s Orchestra For All Seasons Comes To The Van Wezel 2/13

South Africa's "orchestra for all seasons" will be at the VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL on Sunday, February 13 at 7 p.m.

THE CAPE TOWN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA is arguably the most versatile and active orchestra on the continent of Africa, and contributes handsomely in making Cape Town part of a global culture. This financially and culturally sustainable, muti-functional orchestra delivers a world-class musical experience to all communities of the Western Cape. The CPO is one of only three full-time professional symphony orchestras in South Africa and continues a long and proud history of symphonic music since Cape Town's first symphony orchestra formed in 1914. Apart from traditional symphony concerts, their engagements include performing with prestigious visiting ballet companies such as the St. Petersburg Ballet, charity galas, light "symphonic pops" music for special occasions and collaboration with community musicians and choirs. THE CAPE TOWN PHILHARMONIC does not only play in the Cape's premiere venues, but also visits smaller settings in previously disadvantaged communities. The orchestra makes an important contribution to the cultural component of the tourism product that Cape Town offers to local and international visitors. In this spirit THE CAPE TOWN PHILHARMONIC presented the first Cape Town International Music Festival in 2006. The festival became an annual event, attracting first rate musicians from all over the world as well as providing opportunities to South Africa's foremost artists. The CPO is recognized for embracing education though its training orchestras, a cadet program for aspiring professional musicians and various far-reaching educational and development programs consisting mostly of young musicians from the townships and previously disadvantaged communities. "Music is a powerful tool in closing the gap between our disparate cultures, which is why the CPO is a tireless promoter of cultural accessibility and interactivity."

For this tour, the CPO will be joined by MARTIN PANTELEEV-considered one of the most exciting rising stars of a new generation of European conductors. In 1999, PANTELEEV became Associate Conductor of the Philharmonia of the Nations founded by Leonard Bernstein and Justus Frantz. In 2004, the successful composer and violinist made his debut as conductor with the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, with a highly acclaimed performance of G. Mahler's Symphony No.1. PANTELEEV remains with Sofia Philharmonic today, and has also appeared as a guest conductor for numerous orchestras, including the Berliner Symphoniker.

Two time Grammy award nominee Violinist PHILIPPE QUINT will also join THE CAPE TOWN PHILHARMONIC for this leg of the tour. PHILIPPE QUINT has emerged in recent years as one of the few young (not to mention attractive) soloists to combine a remarkable degree of lyricism, poetry and impeccable virtuosity. He plays on the 1708 "Ruby" Antonio Stradivari violin, on loan to him through the generous efforts of The Stradivari Society. Highlights of his 2010/11 season include debuts with Berlin Komische Oper Orchestra for their New Year's Concerts with Carl St. Clair, Chicago Symphony, and San Diego Symphony with Bromwell Tovey. MR. QUINT is a Founder and Artistic Director of the Mineria Chamber Music Festival in Mexico City and recently formed the Quint Quintet--a group dedicated to exploring the music of Astor Piazzolla and Argentine Tango.

The performance program at the Van Wezel will include Leonard Bernstein's Overture to Candide, Piotr Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major, Op.35, and Rimsky-Korsakov's Sheherazade, Op. 35.