The three maestros of the Cape Town Symphony are all talented and accomplished violinists, and they are all women. Concert master, Alla Shubinsky has recently become the part-time master. Instead of finding someone to completely replace her, the Symphony added two more part-time masters, Suzanne Martens andFarida Bacharova. Both women are professors with Martens the leading lecturer on violin at the University of Stellenbosch’s Conservatory of Music, and Bacharova the head of the strings department and a professor at South Africa College of Music. All three will alternate leading the orchestra. These women are among the top violinists in South Africa and the symphony will benefit from their talent and abilities.
Having three different conductors sharing the performance schedule is a very good thing as this year is proving to be quite a busy one for the company. The company regular accompanies the opera and the ballet companies in South Africa, on top of their current schedule. Musical selections are eclectic as various composers and guest conductors collaborate with the symphony. This internationally respected company performs everything from Bach to the Beatles.
The past summer season was extremely successful, as it coincided with the Capetown Summer Music Festival, which is in its third year, every December. One of the most well known composers in the world, Krzysztof Penderecki premiered his new concertos for the cello and the piano, and he conducted as well. Many of the luxury hotels Cape Town offers were full as the city became alive with the tourists and travelers excited to see Penderecki and the Symphony perform. The 2009 Autumn season began the beginning of April and promises just as much excitement as guest conductors include Bjorn Bantok, Victor Yampolsky and Pieter Daniel, all the conducting this talented group of musicians. Many famous guest soloists will be performing through the Autumn and Winter seasons as well. It is advised for those making plans to visit, that tickets be purchased ahead of time as the seats go fast.
Related posts: