Music is a universal language. it is in the shared experience of a gathered audience that communities celebrate both their diversity and their common ground. Thus in South Africa, where many languages are spoken, and diverse cultures intersect, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra plays an important role. Able led by Bongani Tembe for the past 18 years, the KZN Philharmonic has, through its message of hope and unity, continued to inspire its audiences and contribute toward social cohesion.

The orchestra, through its myriad programmes, also contributes to economic development, and job creation and helps to brand eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa positively around the world.

The KZN Philharmonic is a professional orchestra which is comprised of around 70 multi-national musicians. The orchestra enjoys a reputation for excellence and innovation among South African orchestras, resulting in a loyal support base from the local community, regular concert subscribers and visitors to the province of

KwaZulu-Natal.

Founded in 1983 as part of the natal Performing Arts Council (later The Playhouse Company), the KZN Philharmonic was restructured, in April 1998, as an independent viable entity according to the new South African Arts and Culture dispensation policy.

The Orchestra also travels extensively and has undertaken highly successful tours to Europe and other parts of Africa. In 2011 the orchestra also participated in three major productions beyond the borders of KwaZulu-Natal - two in Gauteng and the third in Grahamstown, at the National Arts Festival, where it will be the resident orchestra for the next two years.

The orchestra is primarily funded by grants from eThekwini Municipality, the KZN Government, the National Department of Arts and Culture via the National Arts Council, and the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund. The remainder of it's income is derived from sponsorships, donations and box office income.

The World Symphony Series (WSS), which features world-renowned artists, such as Renee Fleming, Pinchas Zuckerman, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Zubin Mehta, as well as top South African musicians, such as Sibongile Khumalo, Fikile Mvinjelwa, Anton Nel and Ben Schoeman forms an integral part of the orchestra's annual programme.

For collaborations with the KZN Philharmonic please contact the office of the Chief Executive and Artistic Director on 031 369 9438  or emailbonganitembe@kznpo.co.za.

MUSICIANS

First Violin

Hristo Kardjiev***, Violeta Osorhean**, Beatris Lauenberg*, Elena Kerimova, Naum Rousine, Geza Kayser, Mihail Mihaylov, Refiloe Olifant, Lidia Sanacori

Second Violin

Petya Koleva*, Ralica Cherneva, Thomas Steinhausen, Naomi Warr, Patrick Motsa, Jane Baillie^, Dineo Molebatsi ^, Thandeka Benbooi^

Viola

David Snaith*, Todor Hadgiev, Nassi Gueorguieva, Annamaria d’Andrea, Ingrid Snaith, Moeketsi Khang ^, Tshegofatso Mokobe ^

Cello

Boris Kerimov*, Jennifer Cox, Kolio Kolev, Nina Watson, Cecilia Di Cecco, Fiona Grayer, Marguerite Spies, Ralitsa Todorova-Pechoux

Double Bass

Simon Milliken, Yuri Litvinenko, Andreas Kappen, Jonalene Taylor^

Flute

Sabine Baird*, Lisa Thom, Kim Watson, Petra Conrads+

Oboe

Alison Lowell*, Stella Martin, Margrit Deppe

Clarinet

Ian Holloway*, Kirsten Sayers

Bassoon

Vessela Minkova*, Lubomir Minkov, Anele Mnguni

Horn

Sorin Osorhean*, Tzanko Tzankov, Alice Thomson, Marian van Duyker, Andre Valentine^

Trumpet

Michel Schneuwly*, Jochen Weiss, Cathy Peacock, Nathan Lawrence ^

Trombone

Duncan Wooldridge, Goodman Nxongo ^

Bass Trombone

Christof Spies*

Tuba

George Foster*

Timpani

Stephane Pechoux*

Percussion

Anne Briset*, Nick Stone, Nidhi Gangan^, Thando Nkangana^

Harp

Linor Steinhausen*

***Concert Master

**Associate Concert Master

* Principal

^ Cadet

ORCHESTRA STAFF

Chief Executive & Artistic Director

Bongani Tembe

PA to the CE&AD

Susan Andrews

Orchestra Manager

Tania Smith

Marketing Manager

Janet Finch

Accountant

Hayley Palm

Artistic and New Music Coordinator

David Plylar

Subscriptions and Publicity Co-ordinator

Nompilo Mtshali

Education Coordinator

Wiseman Mkhize

Librarian

Diana Bell

Assistant Librarian

Lubo Minkov

Receptionist / Marketing Assistant

Portia Masinga

Stage Manager

Alson Ngcobo

CORPORATE HOSPITALITY AND PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

The orchestra’s regular symphony concerts provide the ideal environment to entertain clients or reward top performers. Block bookings are available at reduced rates and can be tailored to include pre- or post-concert drinks or functions.

Group subscriptions are also available and can be used for similar purposes throughout the season.

You can also enjoy a stunning performance of your favourite music at your own corporate venue, gala ceremony or special event. For further information on how to turn any event into an unforgettable musical experience with Africa’s premier orchestra, please contact the office of the Chief Executive and Artistic Director by completing the enquiry form below.