Because the year 2011 marks the bicentenary of Franz Liszt’s birth, Benjamin Fourie has chosen to pay tribute to this great composer – and other immortals – at this not-to-be-missed performance.

Fourie has selected Liszt’s 'Two Legends', based upon the lives and experiences of two saints from medieval times. The first piece is named after St Francis of Assisi, and contains imitations of bird song and mystical contemplations. The second, 'St. François de Paule marchant sur les flots' (Saint Francis of Paula Walking on the Waves), has a transcendental quality that not only shows the ferocious indifference of the stormy sea, but also the heroic faith of someone overcoming forces of nature.

The rarely-heard late 'Bagatelles' by Beethoven, demonstrate the contemplations of a deaf composer approaching the end of his life, and have an otherworldly calm and lyric freedom, whilst revealing in bursts, intense and brisk emotions. This will be followed by Ravel's 'Gaspard de la nuit', a 1908 suite consisting of three pieces. The music is based upon poems by Aloysius Bertrand, Ondine, Le gibet and Scarbo, and is still regarded as being of the most translucently virtuosic music composed for the piano.

Fourie will then present a little-heard work by South African composer Etienne van Rensburg. His 'Ballad' of 1988 was inspired by childhood holidays in Swakopmund, Namibia and the stillness, but also latent tensions, of the dunes of the Namib Desert. The music is structurally very interesting, and has a captivating atmosphere.

For group bookings, contact Queen ([email protected]) or Nevolan ([email protected]) on 011 674 1356/7/8/9 or fax on 011 674 2365.

Other bookings can be made at Computicket Outlets (Checkers Hyper and Shoprite), or online at www.computicket.com

VENUE: Joburg Promusica’s Main Auditorium
DATE & TIME: Thursday, June 9th at 7pm
TICKETS: R100:00 and R50:00for pensioners and students

The Joburg Promusica theatre complex, situated within the Civic Centre at 100 Christiaan De Wet Drive, Florida Park, Roodepoort, offers ample free and guarded parking for patrons.