The best thing about this amazing Spring weather is that we can grab our favourite friends, put together a phenomenal basket o eats and venture out into the sunshine for a day of complete relaxtion. Our Durban readers are getting ready to experience something really special with The Durban City Orchestra making its Old Mutual Music At The Lake Series debut appearance at the Durban Botanic Gardens on the 18th of September, and it promises to be an unforgettable event.

This fantastic event sees thousands of people packing their picnic gear and heading off to enjoy great South African acts on Sunday afternoons in the great natural setting of the botanical gardens. Conductor Russell Scott, has chosen a wide selection of light classical and up tempo music from the shows as well as popular hit favourites.  The afternoon will be filled with rich orchestral sounds complimented by talented vocal soloists Leendert de Jager, Jessica James and Lisa Bobbert.  Visitors will be treated to a delightful concert, incorporating classical pieces such as Vivaldi’s Spring, La Donna e Mobile  from  Verdi’s Rigoletto, Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission, Strauss’ Radzetsky March, Beethoven’s 6th Symphony (the 1st Movement) and  Libiamo Ne' Lieti Calici - the famous Drinking Song from La Traviata - with Leendert de Jager singing both male and female voices!

The contemporary line-up is every bit as bubbly – the perfect complement to a lovely spring day in the garden. A broad scope of contemporary songs will be given a DURBAN CITY ORCHESTRA makeover, ranging from Shania Twain’s Don't be Stupid to a full Tina Turner medley. Go West is another medley of western movie themes such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Other standards that are featured include Franks Sinatra’s My Way and even Michael Buble’s hit, I Just Haven’t Met You Yet.

The Old Mutual Music at the Lake series presents live concerts every month throughout the year at the Durban Botanic Garden and all proceeds from the performances go to the Durban Botanic Garden for its upkeep.

Durban sure is cooking up a feast of music this Spring. Get your tickets now and don't miss out!

RAVE REWARD - RAVE REVIEW IS GIVING AWAY 5 SETS OF TICKETS TO THIS EVENT ON THE 18TH SEPTEMBER. TO ENTER EMAIL This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it WITH 'ORCHESTRA' IN THE SUBJECT LINE.

For more information about this and other events in the Durban Botanic Gardens, visit the website – www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za or call the Info Centre 031-3091170 or the Friends Office weekdays – 031 2025819. For news, updates and more on THE DURBAN CITY ORCHESTRA go to http://www.dco.za.net/

EVENT DETAILS

Tickets for all concerts are available at www.ticketbreak.co.za

Ticketbreak: Adults: R50.00 and children over 10 years: R20.

Pre-sale at gardens: Adults: R50.00 and children over 10 years to 18 years: R20.

On day sales at gardens and ticketbreak: Adults: R60.00 and children over 10 years: R20.

Children under 10 are free.

Gates open: 12h30

Concert starts: 14h30

Gates close: 18h00

Facilities Available: Tea Garden available on site.

Alcoholic beverages are for sale at the Restaurant and Tea Garden.

Everyone is welcome to bring picnic baskets and blankets.

Kids Zone available 13h30 – 16h30

Secure parking is available on the Juventus ground. Entrance to all parking is off lower Sydenham Road, adjacent to the Botanic Gardens and the Munies Hockey Field also off lower John Zikhale (Sydenham) Road.