The Endler Concert Series is proud to present the University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra (USSO) under the baton of internationally acclaimed Belgian conductor, Rik Ghesquière on Saturday 17 September at 8pm in the Endler Hall, Stellenbosch.

The first part of the concert is dedicated to music by Tchaikovsky, who at the age of 29, smitten by a Belgian soprano who left him for a baritone, composed, with the urging of his composer colleague Mily Balakirev, a Fantasy-Overture Romeo and Juliet, becoming one of the most recognized pieces of music with its infinitely passionate and soaring love themes and energetic story-telling.

Cello lecturer, principal cellist of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and Director of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival, Dr Peter Martens needs no introduction to local audiences. Martens will appear as soloist in Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33, for cello and orchestra. Alluding to the decorative arts of 18^th century Rococo, and in collaboration with his friend, the young German master cellist, Wilhelm Fitzenhagen, Tchaikovsky came up with an original theme which is then “decorated” through each of the seven ensuing variations. The variations have been described by some as a “balletic minefield” for cello and orchestra, due to the various technical challenges that seem to pop up in the most inconvenient places, and balletic, because of the work’s natural kinship with Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet scores.

The second part of the concert will be formed by Beethoven`s grand masterwork, the Fifth Symphony. With its jolting wild drive and velvety lyricism, it is one of the most iconic and familiar pieces of music ever written, still today, after over 200 years since its composition. In times of hardship and war, Beethoven understood that music is an elevating force in life and that its language of sound is transcendent and has the power to unify and positively affect the human experience.

Tickets for R140 (regular) and R100 (pensioners, students, and scholars) are available now through Webtickets and at the door one hour before the concert. For more information contact Fiona Grayer at concerts@sun.ac.za or 021 808 2358.