The orchestration was perfectly chosen to match the range of choreographed performances, with highlights including extracts from Rimsky Korsakov's Capriccio Espagnol (for the tango duo), Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries (for the aerial rope), Khachaturian's Sabre Dance (for the electric juggler), and extracts from Stravinsky's Firebird (for the Russian strongmen).
Of course, as great as the eight international performers were, the concept wouldn't have worked without live music from the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, still on top form despite just ending a month of several intense performances. That's why my only frustration is that the audience seemed more interested in the visuals (read: applauded every few minutes) instead of letting the music play.
In any case, one can only hope that some people in the sold-out theatre (especially those witnessing a live symphony for the first time) went home with the intention to explore some of the music they'd just heard. More than that, I sincerely hope that some of the audience will attend future concerts of the symphony sans cirque. There's already a great line-up for the rest of the year.
Conducted by Conrad van Alphen and featuring German-Korean pianist Christopher Park, sopranos Noluvuyiso Mpofu and Goitsemang Lehobye, and tenor Khanyiso Gwenxane as soloist, this performance includes:
Conducted by Conrad van Alphen and featuring Georgian pianist Mariam Batsashvili as soloist, this performance includes:
Conducted by Perry So and featuring Korean violinist Yura Lee as soloist, this performance includes:
Conducted by Perry So and featuring French cellist Jérôme Pernoo as soloist, this performance includes:
Conducted by Bernhard Gueller and featuring violinist Daniel Rowland as soloist, this performance includes:
Conducted by Bernhard Gueller and featuring Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi (soprano), Michelle Breedt (mezzo), Tshepo Moagi (tenor), Fikile Mvinjelwa (baritone), and Riaan Hunter (baritone) as soloists with the Voices of Cape Town, this performance includes:
Tickets for all concerts are available from Computicket (click on the dates above and you'll be automatically redirected. For more information on the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (and for discounted season tickets), go to www.cpo.org.za.
