Rhapsody Reimagined
Sat Aug 31, 19:00 - Sat Aug 31, 21:00
St. Michael's Chapel
ABOUT
The Rhapsody Orchestra Presents: Rhapsody Re-Imagined
Discover a captivating evening of musical variety with “Rhapsody Re-Imagined,” the third concert of The Rhapsody Orchestra’s 2024 season. This concert features a rich blend of cherished classical works alongside vibrant performances by smaller ensembles from within the orchestra, offering a unique showcase of their diverse talents.
Under the leadership of musical director and conductor Heinrich Lategan, the orchestra will perform two cherished pieces from the classical repertoire. Haydn’s Symphony No. 101, famously known as “The Clock,” is renowned for its lively and rhythmic character, earning its nickname from the tick-tock motif heard in the second movement. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, a masterpiece of Baroque music, is celebrated for its energetic and intricate interplay between the different string sections, showcasing the height of Bach’s compositional brilliance.
In addition to these beloved works, the concert will feature a series of more intimate ensemble performances. The woodwind players of the orchestra will present Dvorák’s Wind Serenade, featuring charming and lyrical melodies in the first and fourth movements. The orchestra’s flute section will perform Quantz’s Sonata in D Major, known for its elegant and expressive lines, and a cello ensemble will play Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” (arranged by David Johnstone) alongside Goltermann’s Religioso and Nocturne, both pieces known for their deep emotional resonance and rich textures. Finally, the orchestra’s percussion ensemble will offer Schinstine’s “Scherzo Without Instruments” and Benson’s “Trio for Percussion,” showcasing a range of percussive timbres and rhythmic complexity. The programme also includes a special premiere performance of two solo piano works by Rhapsody member Karen Junquiera.
This varied program is designed to appeal to both classical music aficionados and those new to orchestral performances, all within the charming and acoustically inviting setting of St. Michael’s Chapel.
Key Information:
The Rhapsody Orchestra Presents Rhapsody Re-Imagined
Heinrich Lategan (conductor)
Saturday, 31 August 2024, 19:00 - St. Michael’s Chapel
Tickets: R100 (adults) / R50 (concessions)
Available at the door or online at www.quicket.co.za
Contact:
Diandra Steenekamp (orchestra manager) - 072 726 8052
Background: The Rhapsody Orchestra
The Rhapsody Orchestra is a community orchestra and non-profit organisation founded in 2020 by Heinrich Lategan and several Bloemfontein musicians who felt a need to rehearse and make music together regularly. The orchestra consists of amateurs, students (both music and other fields), scholars, and professional players and aims to create regular opportunities for Bloemfontein’s orchestral musicians to hone their craft and share in the immense joy of playing and appreciating the social benefits that regular group music making provides. The organisation operates on a volunteer basis, with no musicians receiving financial remuneration. This ensures regular performance and rehearsal opportunities without the well-known financial difficulties that South African orchestras face. Furthermore, by volunteering (whether as musician or assisting with the day-to-day operation of the orchestra), members share a feeling of ownership, pride, and belonging to a group with social interaction and community development as core values.
Since its founding, the orchestra has been fortunate to present many successful orchestral productions in Bloemfontein, as well as several smaller community performances, reaching an enthusiastic new audience and further developing the Bloemfontein community’s love for music.