Music on the move – Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra goes on first tour
A powerhouse line-up of musicians join the new orchestra on their debut tour through SA.
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South Africa’s classical music scene is about to celebrate a major post-pandemic highlight as the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra (Mzansi NPO) is getting ready to go on its first, national tour from 15 – 21 December.
Under the baton of the internationally celebrated conductor, Marin Alsop, the orchestra tour will ignite the spirit of the festive season and embrace the power of classical music with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 – a mighty work that celebrates tolerance, unity and joy.
Leading the orchestra is South African violinist Pieter Schoeman, who is also the concertmaster of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The soloists include renowned South African mezzo soprano, Michelle Breedt, who has performed in prestigious concert halls across the world and talented bass baritone, Msimelelo Mbali, who is making a mark for himself in Europe’s operatic world and will appear at the English National Opera in the 2022/23 season. The tour will also feature the Gauteng Choristers, Tshwane University of Technology Choir, Mzansi Chorale and the New Apostolic Church Choir.
The three-city tour will take place on 15 December at the Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg, on 17 December at The Playhouse in Durban and at Cape Town’s City Hall on 21 December.
The Mzansi NPO was officially launched earlier this year as part of an initiative of the South African National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, to broaden the orchestral experience of the country, transform the orchestral sector and utilise this orchestra to brand South Africa positively around the world.
Tickets start from R125 and are available via Quicket.