Ignite

When one great composer sparks the imagination of another, something extraordinary passes through time – and that is exactly what Ignite celebrates. Pretoria Symphony Orchestra, under conductor Jaco van Staden with acclaimed pianist Peter Cartwright as soloist, traces that spark across generations in a programme burning with dramatic power, emotional depth, and enduring influence.
The concert opens with Beethoven's Egmont Overture – heroic, defiant, and alive with triumphant spirit. Inspired by Goethe's drama, it sets the stage perfectly for an afternoon of passion and energy.
Peter Cartwright then takes centre stage in Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466 – one of Mozart's most dramatic works, and a piece Beethoven himself deeply admired and frequently performed. From its stormy opening to its luminous lyricism, it reveals Mozart at his most powerful.
The programme concludes with Saint-Saëns' Symphony No. 2 in A minor, Op. 55. Richly colourful and sweepingly brilliant, it honours the Classical masters while showcasing the composer's unmistakable Romantic voice.
Ignite is a celebration of musical legacy – of composers inspiring one another through bold ideas, dramatic storytelling, and timeless beauty.