Normally “Last Night of the Proms” serves as a launching pad for a bright new star but this year the line-up boasts an international star, Jonathan Chan, born in Vancouver in June 1990.

 He started learning the violin and the piano at the age of four, and gave his first solo recital at the age of eight. When 11 he performed the Ravel Piano Concerto with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and two years later, the Beethoven Piano Concerto no. 3 with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.  He won the prestigious Bosendorfer piano competition, in Canada. At 14 he performed the 24 Violin Caprices of Paganinni   Aged 15 he performed the 6 Virtuoso Violin sonatas of Ysaye for the Vancouver Music Society. He is now at the Guildhall School of Music in London, studying both instruments, but majoring in the violin. He has a string of scholarships and accolades, for both instruments. In 2010 he was selected to be a soloist, on the violin, for the Lord Mayor of London's concert in Trafalgar Square, a great honour.

This year the Rotary Club of Wynberg is staging the 26th “Last night of the Proms” for major beneficiary St Luke’s Hospice. The Saturday performance takes place at 8pm in the City Hall, the Sunday performance starts at 7pm. The evening is popular for any lovers of classical music who have a sense of fun, as the programme, conducted by renowned, legendary conductor Richard Cock, always starts on a serious note but after interval, which includes a street party, the audience enjoys balloon races, participation and singing the choruses of popular and well-known numbers. Every year is a sell-out. Tickets at a cost of R170 and R210 are available from Computicket from 11 March. There is secure parking.
 
Jonathan Chan will conclude his brief concert tour of South Africa on 17 April in Port Elizabeth, when he will perform the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto and the Beethoven 3rd Piano Concerto, with the East Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, thus making musical history in South Africa.

Venue: City Hall, Darling St, Cape Town. Tel: (021) 872 3441.
Time: Various
Price: R170 - R210
Performances: 9 & 10 Apr 2011
Genre: Classical