Mzansi National Philharmonic OrchestraMzansi National Philharmonic OrchestraThe Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra’s highly successful 2023 national tour took place in August, performing to full houses in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Gqeberha. The Orchestra is comprised of some of the best South African musicians from around the country and abroad.
Part of Mzansi Philharmonic’s mandate is to broaden the orchestral experience of the country. This involves delivering world-class performances in major cities while also bringing high-profile concerts to communities that typically have limited access to such experiences.
The programme for these concerts featured multi award-winning soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, who sang arias by Verdi, Puccini and Wagner, as well as a rendition of Miriam Makeba’s much-loved Pata-Pata. The second half of the concert featured Mahler’s magnanimous Symphony No. 5, performed by the 85-piece Orchestra, conducted by Joseph Young, who led the Orchestra with technical brilliance, as well as the vibrancy and energy that is fast becoming synonymous with Mzansi Philharmonic.
In addition to the symphony concerts, the Orchestra also presented workshops for close to 100 young aspiring musicians from music schools in the Western Cape. These dynamic individuals, who are already receiving orchestral instrument tuition, received masterclasses from members of Mzansi Philharmonic. In Gqeberha, Mzansi Philharmonic presented a free community concert where more than 500 learners from schools around the region were bussed in to experience a demonstration concert conducted by Kutlwano Masote.
“The life and energy we see around us is infectious!” said Nicole Haynes, Business and Tour Manager for Mzansi Philharmonic. “It is so encouraging to know that there is a new generation of musicians being groomed throughout the country, from first exposure concerts to in-depth training of upcoming musicians who already perform competently on orchestral instruments. It is part of the beauty of music traditions to watch skills being intentionally transferred from one generation to the next and to witness excellence being fostered. When we watch these youngsters growing in the joy, study and togetherness of orchestral music disciplines, we are more convinced than ever that this work truly matters and makes a lasting difference to those we are honoured to serve.”
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