Under the baton of acclaimed Austrian-Italian conductor and composer Guido Mancusi, the concert will feature finalists of the International Woodwind Competition as soloists alongside the FSSO. 

Now in its third year, the competition brings talented South African and international woodwind musicians to Bloemfontein, offering audiences the opportunity to hear these exceptional performers at an important moment in their musical careers.

The evening opens with Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, setting the tone with its dramatic intensity and powerful contrasts. The competition finalists will then take centre stage, showcasing their skill and musicality as soloists with the orchestra.

The programme concludes with Mozart’s Symphony No. 39, a work celebrated for its elegance, warmth and lively energy. With its prominent and colourful use of the woodwind section, the symphony provides a fitting finale to an evening dedicated to these remarkable instruments.

Mancusi brings extensive international experience to the podium. Having studied bassoon and singing before pursuing composition and conducting in Vienna, he has enjoyed a distinguished career across opera houses, orchestras and festivals internationally. He was also awarded the Mozart Medal in 1991 for best Mozart interpretation.

Competition coordinator Danré Strydom joins Yolanda Maartens on the OFM Art Beat to discuss the third International Woodwind Competition and what audiences can expect from this year’s finalists. 

Sharon de Kock, violinist with the Free State Symphony Orchestra, also joins the conversation to share the orchestra’s excitement about performing alongside these outstanding musicians.

OFM's Yolanda Maartens (middle) with competition coordinator Danré Strydom (left) and Sharon de Kock, FSSO violinist.

A Breath of Winds takes place on Saturday, 3 October at 19:30 at the Odeion Auditorium in Bloemfontein.

Tickets are available through Webticket. 

OFM News cvdw