Experience concerts marked by musical mastery and sheer brilliance at the 3rd Annual National Tour of Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, South Africa’s renowned national orchestra that graced the presidential inauguration this year with their performance. Prepare to be captivated by the nation’s top orchestral musicians as they bring to life the enchanting and grand symphonic suite “Scheherazade” by Rimsky-Korsakov, which will be led by Sarah Oates, the distinguished co-concertmaster of Mzansi Philharmonic.
The concerts will open with a world premiere of the powerful Shaka iLembe Suite composed by the highly accomplished South African Philip Miller and featuring the incomparable Mbuso Khoza and the versatile singer Ann Masina, leading into a first half finale with the young and brilliant South African pianist, Leo Gevisser, who recently graduated from the Juilliard School in New York. Gevisser performs Gershwin’s popular Rhapsody in Blue; this year marks the 100th anniversary of this iconic piece. The concerts will be conducted by Kirill Karabits, the internationally acclaimed conductor who was recently honoured by His Majesty King Charles III.
Bongani Tembe, the Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra said “As we embark on our Rhythms of Hope national tour 2024, the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is thrilled to showcase remarkable South African artists and great music to communities across South Africa. Let us celebrate our artists as they take us on an unforgettable journey where we share the magic of music and the power of unity.
The tour will kick off on Thursday, 28 November 2024 at the Linder Auditorium, Wits Campus at 19:30, then off to Bloemfontein on Sunday, 1 December 2024 at 3pm at the Sand du Plessis Theatre, and reach a crescendo on Wednesday, 4 December 2024 at 19:30 at the Cape Town City Hall.
As part of its community engagement programme, Mzansi Philharmonic will perform and engage with over 300 young students at the historic Athlone School for the Blind in Cape Town. We are grateful for the support of various stakeholders, including the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), who make this tour, including community events, possible.
“Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra has proved to be a national asset because of its commitment to broadening the orchestral experience of South Africa through sound partnerships and programmes. The national orchestra’s mission of promoting excellence, skills enhancement for the youth and of utilising music to bring together people of all backgrounds resonates with the ethos of the Sunday Times – The Paper for the People. We are therefore proud to partner with Mzansi Philharmonic and are excited about the Orchestra’s 2024 national tour aptly themed – Rhythms of Hope Across South Africa,” said Lyndon Barends, Managing Director: Strategic Partnerships for Arena Holdings.
And, this year, Mzansi Philharmonic welcomes French luthier Antoine Gourdon who will live make a violin through the course of the tour, presenting it to a deserving candidate at the concert in Cape Town. The live build is open to the public.
The national tour comes hot on the heels of the Mzansi Philharmonic’s most recent triumph which saw the formation of the Africa United Youth Orchestra, made up of the continent’s most promising young musicians, and their acclaimed international debut at Carnegie Hall in August 2024. In addition, in 2024 the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra also performed at the official inauguration of the Honourable President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2024 tour celebrates hope across the country as we mark 30 years of democracy.
eNCA is another partner of the Mzansi Philharmonic’s 2024 national tour. Ndivhuho Norman Munzhelele, eNCA Managing Director, said “We’re thrilled to embark on this inspiring partnership with the Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra, celebrating the power of local talent to unite audiences across South Africa. This collaboration highlights our commitment to showcasing diverse voices and reflects eMedia’s dedication to enriching cultural narratives. Together with eNCA, we aim to bring viewers closer to the vibrancy of our music heritage and create unforgettable on-screen experiences.” –
Book your tickets for the Johannesburg and Cape Town performances at Quicket, and for Bloemfontein at Webtickets. For more information about Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra visit www.mzansiphilharmonic.org.za
