6 Sept 2024 19:00 | Endler Hall, Stellenbosch
Music enthusiasts in the Western Cape are in for a remarkable experience as the internationally acclaimed double bassist and conductor, Leon Bosch, takes the podium in Stellenbosch on Friday, 6 September 2024. The concert will take place at 19:00 in the illustrious Endler Hall at Stellenbosch University, as part of the Endler Concert Series.
This special occasion marks the second symphony concert of 2024 by the Stellenbosch University Symphony Orchestra (USSO), under the esteemed direction of Maestro Bosch. With a career spanning over three decades, Bosch is not only known for his virtuosic double bass performances but also for his profound influence as a conductor and educator in the global music community.
An Inspiring Programme
The evening’s programme promises to captivate audiences with a selection of works that showcase both the brilliance of the orchestra and the interpretative depth of the conductor. The concert will open with the energetic and sparkling overture from Mikhail Glinka’s Ruslan and Lyudmila, a piece renowned for its dazzling orchestral virtuosity.
Following this, the audience will be treated to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola, here presented in a special arrangement for violin and cello by Peter Martens. This eclectic and beloved classical piece will be performed by soloists Suzanne Martens (violin) and Peter Martens (cello), both distinguished musicians in their own right.
The concert will conclude with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Orchestral Suite No.4, Op. 61 (Mozartiana), a work that rarely graces concert stages. This suite, Tchaikovsky's heartfelt tribute to Mozart, blends the elegance of the Classical era with the emotional depth and technical demands characteristic of Tchaikovsky’s compositions. The piece offers each section of the orchestra moments to shine, with particularly gratifying solos for the violin and clarinet.
The Journey to Stellenbosch
Leon Bosch’s collaboration with Stellenbosch University is rooted in a deep and long-standing relationship with the musical community in the region. “I have had a long relationship with the musical community in Stellenbosch, starting with the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF), and have conducted and performed numerous concerts in Endler Hall,” Bosch shared.
His connection to South Africa’s musical heritage is further strengthened by his role on the Board of the South African Strings Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing the cause of South African string playing.
Bosch’s journey as an educator has taken him from conducting youth orchestras in the UK to engaging with the South African National Youth Orchestra and orchestras at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London. “It was my own musical education in South Africa that enabled me to enjoy a decades-long career internationally. Nurturing the next generation of South African musicians is an enormous responsibility and vital to the survival of classical music globally,” Bosch emphasized. The invitation to conduct the USSO came through a fortunate confluence of events, with both Bosch and the musical staff at Stellenbosch University expressing mutual interest at the same time.
Leon Bosch’s collaboration with Stellenbosch University is a natural extension of his longstanding relationship with the musical community in Stellenbosch, beginning with his participation in the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF). Bosch’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians is well documented, and his work with youth orchestras in the UK and South Africa underscores his commitment to advancing classical music worldwide.
Reflecting on the upcoming concert, Bosch expressed his enthusiasm for the programme, highlighting its inspired selection of pieces. “The combination of Glinka’s virtuosic overture, the eclectic charm of Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, and Tchaikovsky’s rarely performed Mozartiana is truly special. Each piece offers something unique, and together they create a journey that I am thrilled to guide the USSO through,” said Bosch.
Suzanne Martens, one of the featured soloists, added, “Leon is not only an outstanding double bassist and conductor but also a dedicated mentor. His journey, overcoming political challenges to achieve international acclaim, is an inspiration to young South Africans pursuing careers in the performing arts.”
Inspiration Beyond Music
Leon Bosch brings a wealth of experience that extends beyond music, and he hopes to impart valuable life lessons to the students he mentors. “I have enjoyed the privilege of living an extremely full and complex life as a double bass virtuoso, chamber musician, conductor, writer, broadcaster, publisher, pedagogue, impresario, director, and recording artist—not just as a classical artist, but also in pop tracks and film scores,” Bosch shared. His impressive resume includes thousands of credits on iconic films such as Harry Potter, James Bond, and The Lord of the Rings, as well as collaborations with pop artists like Madonna, Ed Sheeran, and Robbie Williams.
Beyond his musical achievements, Bosch holds a Master’s degree in Intelligence and International Relations, and his experiences have equipped him with a broad perspective on life. “I hope to share my understanding of how the world works, and what it takes not just to master a musical instrument or how to effectively work together, but to fulfill one's purpose in life,” Bosch said.
Join Us
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a unique and inspiring performance by the Stellenbosch University Symphony Orchestra under the direction of the incomparable Leon Bosch. The concert will take place on Friday, 6 September 2024, at 19:00 in the Endler Hall, Stellenbosch. Secure your tickets now for an evening of unforgettable music.