Stellenbosch University Symphony Orchestra to perform Ravel and Rimsky-Korsakov
Stellenbosch University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Arjan Tien, will perform works by Ravel and Rimsky-Korsakov at Endler Hall on March 20 at 7pm.
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The Stellenbosch University Symphony Orchestra will take audiences on a musical journey inspired by stories and imagery of the East when it performs at the Endler Hall on Friday, March 20 at 7pm.
The concert forms part of the Endler Concert Series and will be conducted by internationally acclaimed maestro Arjan Tien, with renowned South African mezzo-soprano Minette du Toit-Pearce appearing as the featured soloist.
Based at the Department of Music at Stellenbosch University, the orchestra provides talented student instrumentalists with opportunities to develop their orchestral skills through rehearsals and public performances alongside professional soloists and guest conductors.
The programme opens with Maurice Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante défunte, composed while the composer was a student at the Paris Conservatoire.
This will be followed by Ravel’s song cycle Shéhérazade, performed by du Toit-Pearce. Inspired by poetry by Tristan Klingsor, the three songs, Asie, La flûte enchantée and L’indifférent, explore themes of longing, mystery and distant lands.
The concert culminates with Scheherazade, Op. 35 by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, the symphonic suite portrays the legendary storyteller Scheherazade through sweeping melodies, dramatic contrasts and vivid orchestral colour.
Du Toit-Pearce, who heads the Voice Division at Stellenbosch University’s Department of Music, has performed extensively in South Africa and internationally and frequently appears as a soloist with leading orchestras and ensembles.
Tien was appointed resident conductor of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra in 2025. He also heads the South African Conducting Competition and was appointed associate professor at Stellenbosch University’s Department of Music in the same year.
In addition, Tien serves as professor of conducting at the conservatories of Amsterdam and Maastricht in the Netherlands, where he works extensively with aspiring conductors and presents masterclasses across Europe.
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