Mzansi National Philharmonic OrchestraMzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Marin Alsop, embarks on its first national tour of South Africa next month. Commencing in Johannesburg on 15 December 2022, followed by Durban on the 17th and Cape Town on the 21st, the orchestra will present a groundbreaking performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, featuring accomplished soloists, local choirs—including Durban’s Mzansi Chorale—and a unique collaboration with Grammy Award-winning flautist and composer Wouter Kellerman and his band.
Kellerman, in collaboration with Marin Alsop, infuses the symphony with unique musical elements, offering a fresh interpretation that resonate with South African audiences. This rendition honours the ideals of Nelson Mandela and the spirit of Ubuntu, emphasising Beethoven’s universal themes of tolerance, unity, and joy.
The Orchestra has assembled a powerhouse line-up of musicians to perform this mighty work. Classical music superstar, Marin Alsop, is one of the most distinguished conductors of her generation, and the Orchestra’s Concert Master, South African violinist Pieter Schoeman, who is also the Concert Master of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The soloists include renowned South African mezzo soprano, Michelle Breedt, who has performed in prestigious concert halls all over the world and talented bass baritone, Msimelelo Mbali, who is making a mark in Europe’s operatic world, and will appear at the English National Opera in the 2022/23 season. The soloists will also include internationally acclaimed soprano Zandile Mzazi, and tenor Sipho Fubesi, who is a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music and now full-time singing lecturer at the University of Cape Town.
The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Marin Alsop, embarked on its first national tour of South Africa in December 2022. Commencing in Johannesburg on the 15th, followed by Durban on the 17th and Cape Town on the 21st, the orchestra presented a groundbreaking performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, featuring accomplished soloists, local choirs—including Durban’s Mzansi Chorale—and a unique collaboration with Grammy Award-winning flautist and composer Wouter Kellerman and his band.
Kellerman, in collaboration with Marin Alsop, infused the symphony with unique musical elements, offering a fresh interpretation that resonated with South African audiences. This rendition honoured the ideals of Nelson Mandela and the spirit of Ubuntu, emphasising Beethoven’s universal themes of tolerance, unity, and joy.
The Orchestra assembled a powerhouse line-up of musicians to perform this mighty work. Classical music superstar, Marin Alsop, one of the most distinguished conductors of her generation, and the Orchestra’s Concert Master, South African violinist Pieter Schoeman, who is also the Concert Master of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The soloists included renowned South African mezzo soprano, Michelle Breedt, who has performed in prestigious concert halls all over the world and the talented bass baritone, Msimelelo Mbali, who is making a mark in Europe’s operatic world, and appeared at the English National Opera in the 2022/23 season. The soloists also included internationally acclaimed soprano Zandile Mzazi, and tenor Sipho Fubesi, who is a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music and now full-time singing lecturer at the University of Cape Town.
The tour will also feature dynamic local choirs such as the Gauteng Choristers, Tshwane University of Technology Choir, Mzansi Chorale and the New Apostolic Church Choir.
Secure your tickets early, as availability is limited.
We can’t wait to share our music with you! Welcome!!.
We know that you might be wide-eyed at the thought of donning your Sunday best and knowing when to clap, but you can rest assured that we’ve got your back. Here are a few bits of information, and answers to questions, that we hope will make your experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
This is a common one. Baggies and beachwear might not be ideal, but you can come comfortably; you may see others in tuxes and evening wear, but you’ll also see business/professional wear, streetwear, or neat casual.
We’re always grateful for an enthusiastic audience! We do ask that you hold your clap until the end of the piece (and kindly request that you not clap between movements). If you’re feeling unsure, take a peek at your programme, or alternatively wait for some of our exuberant audience members to show you the way.
We realise that asking you to take a two hour break from your phone is tough in this day and age (or is it blissful?). You’re so welcome to take pictures in the foyer, and before the musicians have taken their place on stage (bonus points if you tag us #MzansiPhil). However, out of respect for your fellow patrons, and the musicians, we ask that you keep your phone on silent throughout the performance and refrain from checking it/taking pics and videos (the light from your phone is brighter that you might think).
Most of our concerts are one and a half to two hours long, including an interval.
When it comes to figuring out how our concerts work, and what you need to know to make it an unforgettable experience, there are no trivial or irrelevant questions. We’d love to answer you directly, either ahead of time or on the night. You can contact us here, or chat to one of our friendly ushers on the night.
Although the “Joy from the Heart of Mzansi – DBN” concert has concluded, the memories and emotions it evoked linger on.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, performers, and supporters who made this event a resounding success.
Stay tuned for future events and join us as we continue to create musical moments that inspire and uplift.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music under the open sky. Be part of the Symphony Under the Stars and let the orchestral harmonies serenade your senses in this magical setting.
Book your tickets now and prepare for an enchanting night that will leave you with cherished memories that last a lifetime.
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