New England Youth Ensemble touring SA

Published Aug 2, 2005

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The New England Youth Ensemble with the Columbia Collegiate Chorale from the US are currently touring until August 10. Having enjoyed a sold-out concert in Pretoria over the weekend, the choral feast visits the Durban City Hall tonight at 7.30pm.

They will perform The Vision Of The Apocalypse, an oratorio composed by the distinguished American musician Dr Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse, that premiered on March 2, 2004 at New York's Carnegie Hall to a standing ovation.

With combined chorus and orchestra, it powerfully conveys the themes of the Book Of Revelation, and is built around the three angels' messages of Revelation 14.

Dr Rittenhouse came to South Africa as a very young child with her parents and studied music here. She was awarded a full scholarship in piano, violin and composition at the South African College of Music in Cape Town and made her first appearance as violin soloist with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra many years ago.

Her love for this country and her gratitude for the tremendous opportunities afforded her in the early years of her musical career ensure her frequent returns to South Africa.

In the second half of the concert, the Durban Symphonic Choir will join forces with the visiting musicians for a performance of John Rutter's beautiful choral work, Feel The Spirit. Tickets from R40 to R80 can be booked through Computicket at 083 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.co.za. - tonight Reporter

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