Accordionist Loren Ehlers will perform with the Pretoria Symphony Orchestra (PSO) conducted by Jaco Van Staden at their “Wonder” Accordion Concert held at the ZK Matthews Hall, Unisa (University of South Africa), Pretoria, South Africa on July 27th, 2025 from 3pm to 5pm.

The concert aims to “bring the magic of live symphony music to children from homes across Pretoria. For these young minds, a concert experience can truly be the stuff of dreams.”

First up on the program is the Children’s Overture by British composer Robert Quilter, composed in 1917 — an undiscovered gem that guarantees bags of fun and jollity for both orchestra and audience. Listen out for well-known nursery rhymes such as “Sing a Song of Sixpence” blending with “Baa! Baa! Black Sheep”, ending with a rousing fanfare that is guaranteed to lift the roof!

The accordion is often associated with romantic candlelight dinners in Paris, but a classical accordion player as soloist on stage is an unexpected delight. In the hands of our soloist, Loren Ehlers, the versatility of the accordion as a classical solo instrument blossoms.

Pietro Deiro’s “Concerto in A” makes for an easy and delightful journey through three short movements filled with sparkle and glitz. Our soloist is also the composer and performer of the Fantasy for Accordion and Orchestra, making this solo performance a memorable occasion not to be missed.

The program concludes with Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, inspired by the Bohemian folk music of the composer’s homeland. Brilliant orchestration will take the audience on an afternoon stroll through the pastoral scenery Dvořák loved so much. Birdsong features in the vibrant woodwind solos, a sturdy peasant lilt brings light hearted charm, and the symphony’s final movement begins with a brilliant trumpet fanfare — bringing this wonderful afternoon of marvellous music to a close.

For further information phone: 082 342 5765