11/05/2026
We are privileged to host the conductor, Alexander Walker, of the FSSO on Saturday, 16 May.
The Free State Symphony Orchestra (FSSO) invites audiences to an unforgettable evening of orchestral music titled Music Inspires Music, taking place on Saturday, 16 May 2026 at 19:30 at the Odeion.
Under the baton of acclaimed conductor Alexander Walker, the orchestra will present a vibrant, stylistically diverse programme featuring celebrated Bloemfontein double bassist Ruan Baartman as soloist.
The concert opens with Benjamin Britten’s Suite on English Folk Tunes, Op. 90, a colourful and evocative work that reimagines traditional melodies with wit and sophistication. Audiences will then experience the brilliance of Giovanni Bottesini’s Grande Allegro di Concerto “alla Mendelssohn”, a dazzling showcase for the double bass. Known as the “Paganini of the double bass,” Bottesini’s work highlights the instrument's lyrical and virtuosic capabilities, brought to life by Baartman’s exceptional artistry.
The programme continues with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 35 in D major, “Haffner”, a joyful and energetic masterpiece that exemplifies the elegance and vitality of the Classical era. The evening concludes with Igor Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, a playful and inventive work that blends Baroque inspiration with modern flair, offering a fittingly spirited finale.
This concert promises a rich musical journey—from folk-inspired charm and virtuosic brilliance to classical refinement and neoclassical innovation.
Tickets are available online via Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores nationwide.
Join the Free State Symphony Orchestra for an evening where love, passion, and fate collide in music of unforgettable power and beauty.
For further information, please contact:
Dr Luzanne Eigelaar
Email: [email protected]
