CHRONICLES: NWU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Michelle Becker

@michelle_ib

On the evening of Saturday 18 May, the North-West University Symphony Orchestra held their first concert of the year in the Sanlam auditorium. Chronicles, conducted by André Oosthuizen, took the listener on a unique journey.

The auditorium was packed as the concert opened with a Russian Sailor’s Dance by Reinhold Gliere. After a brief introduction, the Ballet Egyptienne (in four movements) by Alexandre Luigini was performed, followed by In the Steppes of Central Asia by Alexander Borodin and In a Persian Market by Albert Ketelbey.

Oosthuizen was sure to give a brief background and summary of each piece to ensure clarity for every listener, even those who may not be well acquainted with classical music. The first half of the concert closed with the iconic Blue Danube, “the unofficial Austrian national anthem,” by Johann Strauss Jr.

Attendees were then encouraged to take a bathroom break, or step outside and stretch their legs during the interval. As the second half opened, musicians were joined onstage by the vocal ensemble.

Together with the orchestra, they performed a Hunger Games medley by James Newton, Colours of the Wind by Alan Menken, and When You Believe by Stephen Schwartz, all three pieces arranged by D. de la Rosa. Certain pieces featured soloists, namely Nonhlanhla Molotywa, Lillian van Staden, and Lamees Matwadia. Finally, the programme ended with a Game of Thrones medley by Ramin Djawadi. However, the concert ended with a second performance of When You Believe.

Attending students responded positively as Dinita Olivier, a first-year Psychology and Geography student said she was astonished by the skill displayed and described the performance as “an amazing experience”.

Final year Computer and Electronic Engineering student, Kristine Becker said her favourite part was that all the pieces told a unique story, as described by the conductor.

You can follow the orchestra on Instagram: @nwuso and Facebook: NWU Symphony Orchestra to look out for future performances and concerts.