THE ANNUAL Durban Pops, in association with Adapt IT and the Rotary Club of Kloof, is to be staged soon with the special international guest being the acclaimed singer Joseph Clark.
Selwyn Comrie, chairman of the Rotary Club of Kloof, said they had decided to add a younger act to the programme this year as part of a strategy to market the event to younger executives.
“This is our 29th year doing this fund-raiser, an esteemed classical music, black-tie event to raise funds for our charities. This year we are making a particular effort to attract a younger group of executive people and we’ve done this by getting Joseph Clark on board, the world’s leading interpreter of Freddie Mercury’s music.”
According to his biography, among a list of achievements Clark was a regular soloist with the popular Joburg Pops concerts and has sung with all the major symphony orchestras of South Africa.
Highlights include singing for Nelson Mandela at his 85th birthday celebration. He is well-known for his powerful interpretation of Queen’s music, has appeared as lead vocalist in Queen at the Opera and toured South Africa with this sell-out production.
“Over the last 29 years we’ve raised about R2 million for our charities. Last year we raised R65 000, but we are aiming to reach R100 000 this year. We have adopted a new charity, Smile (St Mary’s Interactive Learning Experience), which works on achieving English language fluency at primary and high schools, to help improve the prospects of underprivileged children. So any additional funds this year will go to them,” said Comrie.
Durban Pops takes place on November 10 at the Durban City Hall. The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra will perform alongside Clark. The orchestra will be conducted by Richard Cock.
“The dress code is formal or best traditional, with a touch of red. We’d love to see people come out in their traditional wear: saris, traditional African attire, Scottish kilts and the like. We’ll be doing a lucky draw for the best-dressed. To enter just bring your business cards and hand them in,” explained Comrie.
• To book a table of 10 for this fund-raising event call Terry Troughton at 083 776 3192. The cost of a table is R4 750, which includes a three-course meal including wine, beer and soft drinks and an evening of entertainment. Gallery tickets cost R185 and include snacks and drinks. To book visit www.stricklytickets.com. Doors open at 6.30pm, starters served at 7pm. The show is at 7.30pm.