Maestro Repper returns to the podium for our second concert with a mix of English, Austrian and German repertoire, spanning the late

18th and 19th centuries. Elgar’s Serenade for Strings, composed in 1892, is one of his most popular pieces. The first movement features

a nimble, dance-like opening theme, while the central Larghetto movement is known for its tender, nostalgic melody. The final Allegretto movement provides a brief, wistful conclusion, returning to the spirit of the opening with more dancing music, including a closing reference to the first movement’s opening rhythmic figure. Our audience is sure to delight in its quintessential appeal.

Haydn’s D Major Cello Concerto, written for the virtuoso cellist Anton Kraft, is known for its brilliant writing, its lilting melodies that both sing and dance, the joyous work is the very stuff of which classics are made. The young Norwegian cellist Sandra Lied Haga’s interpretation is eagerly awaited. The evening climaxes on a wave of vitality with Mendelssohn’s ebullient Symphony No 1. Composed when Mendelssohn was a prodigious fifteen-year-old, the work combines youthful innocence, fiery energy and bold contrasts between its four movements. The first movement features a dramatic, stormy theme and lively contrasts, while the slow second movement provides lyrical contrast in a warmer key. The Menuetto, despite its traditional name, is energetic, featuring a chant-like trio for winds and strings that creates a sense of suspended time. The finale ultimately resolves into a brilliant C Major chord, incorporating elements of both Beethoven and Bach in its masterful writing, and, incidentally, forecasting the major role that Mendelssohn was to play in spearheading the major Renaissance of JS Bach, whose posthumous reputation had gone into eclipse during the Classical era. The Bach Revival took place under Mendelssohn’s aegis during the height of his career.

Our popular Pre-Concert Talks will commence at 6.30 pm and are presented by Deano, previously from the Morning Drive on Classic 1027. Entrance to the talks is free and all patrons are welcome!

Bookings for Season Tickets are available through the JPO office on info@jpo.co.za or 011 484 0446. Season Ticket holders (i.e., tickets for all four concerts) enjoy discounted rates, the convenience of booking through the JPO office and a free programme at each concert. Single concert tickets are now available through Quicket.

Safe parking at the venue.

No Under-3’s allowed.

This Spring Season is not to be missed!