Professor Corvin Matei took his final bow as conductor of the Stellenbosch University Symphony Orchestra (USSO) following a showstopper performance with over 100 musicians at the Conservatorium on 6 October.
The sold-out event saw the 65-strong orchestra perform Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 with two choirs (Schola Cantorum and Canticum Novum), alumni soloists and the music department’s singing division. The concert was the official Centenary Gala Concert for Stellenbosch University (SU).
The Endler Concert Series, which has many sub-categories, hosts 40 to 50 concerts between February and November each year. Having sold out for every show, the USSO proved to be one of the major musical attractions for 2018. PHOTO: Christi Nortier
“I was worried we wouldn’t fit,” said Matei. “The Endler wasn’t designed for such a massive work. It was designed for a chamber orchestra and maybe a choir. Not for Beethoven 9 with a massive choir and soloists.”
The performance of Symphony No.9, widely regarded as one of the most challenging works in the Western classical music canon, was a smash hit with the audience, scoring Matei and the musicians an almost four minute standing ovation.
The USSO warms up on stage as crowds begin to fill the 553-seater auditorium. The event was in such high demand that organisers had to add extra seats for last minute ticket buyers. PHOTO: Christi Nortier
“I wanted to cry it was so beautiful!” said attendee Natalie van Reenen, a master’s student in economics. “I loved watching the people’s faces and the people performing.”
Matei, a Professor of Flute and Conducting at the music department, became the Music Director of USSO in 2006.
During his tenure, Matei made significant contributions to USSO. It was under his direction that the orchestra was awarded the prize for the best symphony orchestra at the prestigious Tygerberg Fanfare Competition in 2004, and in 2018 they sold out every one of their shows.
Prof. Corvin Matei stands in his office beside photographs of orchestras he has performed with over the years. He hopes to return to Stellenbosch to conduct many more concerts. PHOTO: Christi Nortier
For his farewell performance, Matei said he chose Beethoven’s 9th because it represented a milestone in Beethoven’s life, and playing it in the town would be a special moment in the lives of his students, his own and the university as it turns 100.
“I will always remember it and the students will carry on to be teachers or play in an orchestra, but they will remember in 40 years: ‘I played Beethoven 9th in Stellenbosch’.”
Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 has astounded musicians for decades, but USSO made easy work of this innovative piece. INFOGRAPHIC: Christi Nortier
The significance of the evening resonated with his students.
“It is both terrifying and brilliant [to work with Prof.Matei]. He really knows what he wants and he is a true musician. He executes his vision to the best. He is extraordinary,” said Rian Smit, who holds the position of first flute in USSO.
“It really is a fitting way to say goodbye to him, especially with the choir and involving every musical group available and SU alumni. It was beautiful. Above all, it’s just a beautiful work.”
Talatu Ogidi, part of the singing division, said she is sad to see Matei leave.
“He has a way of carrying everyone along and you just love to be with Prof. Matei. We’re going to miss him a lot. I wish he could somehow come back, but unfortunately, he has to go. I understand that he needs to rest, but he has really contributed a lot to this building,” she says.
Talatu Ogidi, a member of the conservatorium’s singing division, stands before an SU Centenary banner. The concert was one of the university’s many SU 100 events aimed at celebrating its 100 years of existence. PHOTO: Nell Hofmeyr
While sad to be leaving, Matei said he does not see his departure as retirement. He plans to finish instructing the six flute students currently under his tutelage while furthering his international conducting career.
“The department will go on very successfully and the orchestra is like the mountains. It will always go on and I hope all the guest conductors will inspire, motivate, understand and love them the way I did,” he says.
The choir and orchestra warm up as they await Prof. Matei. Two choirs, alumni singers and the department’s singing division had to combine to perform the choral finale of the No.9 Symphony. This finale is the popular “Ode to Joy” theme. PHOTO: Nell Hofmeyr
-Nell Hofmeyr and Christi Nortier