GEORG NEWS - Georgians will have the privilege of hearing six philharmonic cellists of the Cape Town-based ensemble I Grandi Violoncellisti perform at the Arts Theatre on 25 August.

The ensemble consists of the famous South African cellist Mariam Lewin, virtuoso Peter Martens, and Eddie McLean, Cheryl de Havilland, Fiona Grayer and Odette Brand. Famous works such as The Flight of the Bumble Bee by Rimsky Korsakov and Vocalise by Rachmaninoff, as well as works by Albinoni and Stephenson will be on the programme, mixed with modern works such as the Beatles' Yesterday.

I Grandi Violoncellisti was formed in the 1980s and although the members have changed over the years, their performances are still characterised by the colourful way they exploit and exhibit the beautiful sound of the cello.

Marian Lewin is regarded as the doyenne of the cello in South Africa.

She obtained her University of South Africa Performers Licentiate in 1963, winning overseas scholarships.

During the International Cello Week in Holland in 1969 she was judged best cellist and appeared on Eurovision.

She has achieved a very successful career as soloist for the SABC and the Natal Philharmonic and Pact Symphony orchestras. She taught at Wits and at the Pro-Arte School in Pretoria.

She was a cellist for the Alma Music Piano trio for 34 years and is a past member of the Rosamund String Quartet. Besides I Grandi Violoncellisti, she is currently also part of the Hermanay Flute Trio. The cellists are all accomplished players with a multitude of awards and recordings.

The performance will take place at 19:30 at the Oakhurst Insurance George Arts Theatre. Tickets are R130 - Public / R80 - Members / R20 school children. Bookings for this exciting concert can be made at www.georgemusicsociety.co.za or at the Arts Theatre in York Street.

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