Loren Ehlers (b.2003) – Symphony in E minor

Symphony No.1 in E minor by South African composer Loren Ehlers was written between October 2024 to February 2025.

This Neo-Romantic four-movement symphony reflects my, the composers, influences and experiences, incorporating many quotes from composers who have had a significant impact on my musical journey and style.

These range from Dvorak to Borodin, Mendelssohn to Coldplay and more. While much of the symphony was composed with specific programmatic elements in mind, it is my wish that these are not publicized as the music ought to be able to speak for itself and I want each listener to formulate their own story when listening to it.

It was an absolute treat to conduct this magnificent work from my lovely colleague who was also playing in the orchestra. A truly amazing young man

✍🏽: Loren Ehlers
🎻: UCT symphony orchestra
📸: The South African College of Music, UCT
📍: The Baxter Theatre

I. Allegro brioso

Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto no.1 opens with a souring melody between the pianist and strings, which only lasts for a minute before going into a rapid, staccato workout. We continue supporting our soloist who is whimsically light on her feet as the music turns dramatic, and a tad bit sinister.

The work contains passages reserved for virtuosos and requires a high level of technical mastery to perform successfully.

An absolute honour to have the exceptional Danè van Graan creating magic on the grand piano.

🎹: Danè van Graan
📸: The South African College of Music, UCT
🎻: The University of Cape Town Symphony Orchestra
📍: The Baxter Theatre

II. Andante assai

A melancholic string passage with a touch a clarinet, introduces the second movement. For a brief moment, we hear hints of jazz in the piano solo.

So gentle, yet masterful…

🎹: Danè van Graan
📸: The South African College of Music, UCT
🎻: The University of Cape Town Symphony Orchestra
📍: The Baxter Theatre

III. Allegro scherzando

The third movement re-introduces the flirtatious fire between pianist and orchestra. Each playfully racing in opposite directions, but returning in a beautiful volcano for the grand finale.

Sheer talent, and unbelievable brilliance – Danè van Graan, brava, e grazie mille! ✨🧎🏽‍♀

🎹: Danè van Graan
📸: The South African College of Music, Cape Town
📍: The Baxter Theatre

It was an absolute treat to conduct this magnificent work from my lovely colleague who was also playing in the orchestra. A truly amazing young man

✍🏽: Loren Ehlers
🎻: UCT symphony orchestra
📸: The South African College of Music, UCT
📍: The Baxter Theatre

Antonin Dvořàk – Symphony no.8 – I. Allegro con brio

The movement begins with a somewhat somber tone for the low strings but quickly introduces a contrasting, audacious flute solo, reflecting the natural world’s beauty and melancholy.

🎻: The University of Cape Town Symphony orchestra 📸: The South African College of Music, UCT📍: The Baxter Theatre

The work contains passages reserved for virtuosos and requires a high level of technical mastery to perform successfully.

An absolute honour to have the exceptional Danè van Graan creating magic on the grand piano.

🎹: Danè van Graan
📸: The South African College of Music, UCT
🎻: The University of Cape Town Symphony Orchestra
📍: The Baxter Theatre

Antonin Dvořàk – Symphony no.8 – II. Adagio

Often described as the most varied slow movement in Dvořák’s symphonic works, this Adagio offers a kaleidoscopic range of moods and rich instrumental imagery.

The movement juxtaposes somber passages, such as a funeral march, with cheerful, bird-like folk song sections.

🎻: The University of Cape Town Symphony Orchestra
📸: The South African College of Music, UCT
📍: The Baxter Theatre

The work contains passages reserved for virtuosos and requires a high level of technical mastery to perform successfully.

An absolute honour to have the exceptional Danè van Graan creating magic on the grand piano.

🎹: Danè van Graan
📸: The South African College of Music, UCT
🎻: The University of Cape Town Symphony Orchestra
📍: The Baxter Theatre

Antonin Dvořàk – Symphony no.8 – IV. Allegro ma non troppo

The final movement famously begins with a striking trumpet call, after which the cellos introduce a noble and serene main theme. The tune is based on a simple G major triad and is related to the birdcall motif from the first movement.

The theme undergoes a series of inventive variations that range from a virtuosic solo flute passage to a loud, march-like episode.

…I took a deep sigh after the mammoth task of conducting a straight 1h30 of an extremely intense symphony programme for my exam.

That sigh was dedicated to my mother, who was my vision-cast for audacity, and sheer bravery.

It’s been one of the hardest couple of weeks for me, and I really left my all on that conductors altar.

For our names to be written. For the culture. For the soil. For your sons and daughters.

Asė 🐘 🪄

🎻: The University of Cape Town Symphony Orchestra
📸: The South African College of Music, UCT
📍: The Baxter Theatre