In association with Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra • In samewerking met die Kaapstadse Filharmoniese Orkes

With Suzanne Martens (violin), Matthew Stead (violin), Petrus Coetzee (viola), Jana Smit (viola), Peter Martens (cello), Rosamund Ender (cello), Fèroll-Jon Davids (clarinet), Shannon Thebus (French horn) and Nina Schumann (piano)
Brahms’s first string sextet in B-flat major dates from 1860 and is the first significant work for this combination of two violins, two violas and two cellos to have been written. Although it set the standard and was the inspiration for several string sextets by other composers since, none surpass it in terms of beautiful melody and an exposé of blended string instrument timbre. Ernő Dohnányi is a composer, perhaps less well-known to some, whose output of interesting chamber music is significant. His sextet in C major, Op. 37 is an awesome work for the unusual combination of violin, viola, cello, French horn, clarinet, and piano. The lush late Romantic harmonies and at times intricate rhythms present a riveting listening experience. The recital is followed by a free 45-minute music discussion with artists upstairs in the Banqueting Hall.