The University of Stellenbosch Symphonic Wind Ensemble (USSWE) is once again presenting a Band Extravaganza as part of the Endler Concert Series on Friday 3 May, 20h00. The Extravaganza, presented on an annual basis, sees the University band, in collaboration with its community partners, presenting an evening of diverse music by ‘bands’ of wind and percussion instruments.

The marching and community band idiom, so prevalent in the Western Cape, and the South African legacy of field bands has created, perhaps more than any other musical medium, the opportunity to involve a diverse spectrum of amateur and professional musicians in an all-inclusive musical experience.

Participating bands from Cape Town are the Wynberg Boys’ and Wynberg Girls’ High School Combined Concert Band and SACS High School Concert Bands, conducted by ex-Matie, Peter Catzavelos, and Levi Alexander, who is currently enrolled for an MMus at the University. From the Northern Suburbs we have Bellville High School Symphonic Wind Band under the baton of ex-Matie Riaan van Wyk and Musica Perpetua, the combined bands of Paul Roos and Bloemhof, conducted by Leon Piron, will also be participating in this exciting evening. Stellenbosch University Symphonic Wind Ensemble’s performance will be conducted by Pamela Kierman, Reghardt Kühn, a Stellenbosch University alumnus who recently conducted the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra in the finals of the Len van Zyl Conducting Competition and student conductor Kim Heynes, who is currently studying conducting under Prof. Emeritus Corvin Matei. Works such as Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, Hazo’s Arabesque, and Whitacre’s Ghost Train, are but a few of the works to be performed at the Extravaganza.

Tickets for R60 (regular) and R40 (students and pensioners) are available now through Computicket and at the door. For more information contact Brent Reynolds at brent@sun.ac.za or 021 808 2343.