RC 260829SAfm
Saturday, 29 August 2026
A music-led Saturday episode explored Georges Bizet’s misunderstood Carmen and SAFM’s classical legacy through Richard Cock’s memories of the National Symphony Orchestra.
- 18:20
Richard Cock said the National Symphony Orchestra was disbanded as an SABC-funded ensemble after consultants advised against continued funding; private support and ticket sales sustained it until closure around 1999.
- 18:15
Cock recalled the orchestra’s landmark performances, including Rhythms of Africa with Abdullah Ibrahim and Sibongile Khumalo, Mandela’s inauguration, and a Union Buildings concert featuring the Three Tenors.
- 18:17
The National Symphony Orchestra recorded South African composers for the international Marco Polo-Naxos label, producing roughly five CDs whose music is now performed worldwide.
- 16:42
Dino explained that Georges Bizet died aged 37 believing Carmen had failed after its hostile 1875 Paris premiere, never seeing the opera become a repertoire favourite.
- 18:40
Listeners shared memories of SAFM’s lunchtime concerts and a 1993 Durban performance of Handel’s Messiah in isiZulu, conducted by Richard Cock.