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Spring is a time for flowers, renewal…and the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s (KZNPO) springtime series.
The orchestra’s 2026 World Symphony Spring Season will feature two special concerts this November featuring international conductors and pianists.
The programme includes classical music’s most recognisable works, from the sweeping romance of Rachmaninoff to Beethoven’s dramatic compositions and Bizet’s lively symphonic writing.
READ: Acclaimed organist Christopher Cockburn returns to Durban for two November recitals
What you can look forward to
The opening concert takes place at the Playhouse Opera on 12 November, under the baton of Canadian conductor Jean-Claude Picard, with renowned pianist Polina Osetinskaya as soloist. The evening opens with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, one of the composer’s best-loved works.
The programme then moves to Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor. Built around a recurring musical theme often associated with fate, the symphony takes listeners on a journey from brooding introspection to a powerful, triumphant conclusion.
The second concert, on 19 November, moves upstairs to the Playhouse Drama. German conductor Christian Schumann leads the orchestra, with acclaimed Japanese pianist Yu Kosuge taking centre stage.
The programme begins with Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture; Kosuge then joins the orchestra for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, and the evening concludes with Bizet’s Symphony in C Major.
READ: Durban's Trail of Lights turns 10 with a festive new experience
A change of venue for the second concert
Regular KZN Philharmonic concertgoers should note that the 19 November performance will take place in the Playhouse Drama rather than the usual Opera Theatre, which is unavailable on that date.
The Drama Theatre seats just under 500 people, compared with the Opera Theatre’s capacity of more than 1 000. This means seating allocations and ticket categories will be adjusted.
KZN Philharmonic representative Reena Makan says the orchestra is mindful of the importance of preferred seating to regular patrons and will take care when making the necessary changes.
What you need to know
- Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
- Time: 7pm
- Venue: Playhouse Opera Theatre, 231 Anton Lembede Street, Durban
- Conductor: Jean-Claude Picard
- Soloist: Polina Osetinskaya (piano)
- Programme: Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor; Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor.
- Tickets: From R139 via Quicket
- Date: Thursday, 19 November 2026
- Time: 7pm
- Venue: Playhouse Drama Theatre, 231 Anton Lembede Street, Durban
- Conductor: Christian Schumann
- Soloist: Yu Kosuge (piano)
- Programme: Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture; Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major; Bizet’s Symphony in C Major.
- Tickets: From R125 via Quicket
Park-and-ride
A bus service is available from four collection points:
- Upper Highway: St Agnes Church, departing at 5.50pm
- North Coast: Grace Family Church, departing at 6.10pm
- Westville: Westville Senior Primary, departing at 6.10pm
- Berea: Caister Lodge, departing at 6.20pm
Bookings and enquiries: Call 031 369 9438 or email info@kznphil.org.za | Visit www.kznphil.org.za for more information.
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