UPSO Concert 4: The Blue Hour

University of Pretoria Symphonic Winds presents:
UPSO Concert 4 | 2026

Blue Hour
Conducted by: Lesedi Sibanda

The University of Pretoria Symphonic Winds presents Blue Hour.

UP Symphonic Winds invites you to a concert inspired by the Blue Hour — the brief period of twilight that marks the transition between darkness and light. Featuring works by John Mackey, Alfred Reed, Mickey Nicoplas, and Akito Matsuda, this programme explores the beauty and mystery of twilight’s emergent hues with themes of transition, renewal, love, loss, and hope.

The concert opens with Hymn to a Blue Hour, setting the theme of the programme, emerging light leading towards new beginnings. Depicting new beginnings, Alfred Reed’s Hound of Spring follows with an overture inspired by spring and young love.

The concert shifts into celebration with The Brazilian Suite by Mickey Nocolas. This suite transports the listener to the streets of Rio de Janeiro with Brazilian musical styles inspired by the Brazilian Carnival. The concert ends with Akito Matsuda's symphonic suite, Liz and the Blue Bird, exploring friendship, separation, and hope. 

Programme:
John Mackey                 Hymn to a Blue Hour
(arr. Jacob Wallace)
Alfred Reed                   The Hounds of Spring
Mickey Nicolas             Brazilian Suite
Akito Matsuda              Suite from Liz and the Blue Bird

6 September 2026
Musaion
14:30
R 80 per person
Wine Bar available
Queries: [email protected]  

UPSO goes to Rio 2027! Please support a student musician’s journey to Brazil and help the University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestras represent South Africa on an international stage. Queries: [email protected]