In 1966 at the request of the Durban City Council, Mrs Heather Brandon formed the DURBAN SYMPHONIC CHOIR. On her retirement in 1987 a Management Committee was formed to ensure active continuation of the Choir, and invited Mr Jaun Burgers to the position of Choir Director. The Choir has become well known for its presentations of major classical choral works, such as the St Matthew and the St John P
assions by Bach, Mozart's and Verdi's Requiems, Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, Handel's Messiah, Haydn's Creation and Mendelssohn's Elijah. In April 1986 the Choir participated in the performance of Beethoven's 9th Choral Symphony at the official opening of the Natal Playhouse by State President P. W. Botha. The Choir has also performed 'lighter' Rodgers & Hammerstein, and Lerner & Loewe concerts, and for the last few years the annual Last Night of the Proms, Songs of Praise and Carol Services at Christmas time. Performances have been accompanied by the Orchestra(s) of the day - Durban Philharmonic, Durban City, KZNPO, and also enhanced by other local choirs and singers. The Choir is self-funded, which means we do not receive grants from Province, City or any benefactor, and expenses have to be covered by members' monthly subscriptions and concert ticket sales.
