Good news and bad for philharmonic
JOBURG - An invitation to an international music festival and the postponement of this year's third concert season has made for bittersweet times for the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
The embattled orchestra, founded in 2000 after the National Symphony Orchestra closed its instrument cases for the last time, has been under business rescue since October 2012.
However, despite apparent dwindling local interest and a legacy debt of over R17 million, the orchestra will jet off on its first international trip after it received an invitation to perform six concerts in Azerbaijan.
Orchestra CEO Duncan Gibbon said the orchestra attracted more foreign interest than it did local.
“It is ironic that, in the middle of a very testing period [the orchestra has] been invited to perform at the Gabala Music Festival in Azerbaijan… [A] testimony to the quality of the musicianship that still prevails,” he said.
“We will leave on 24 July to perform [at the festival], a fully-paid tour for 72 musicians, and the first international trip.”
Two of the musicians who will travel to the festival are among the orchestra’s success stories.
“Our academy programme, which mentors and coaches promising young musicians predominantly from disadvantaged backgrounds, is thriving,” said Gibbon.
“The students have performed within the orchestra at most of the concerts this year, and two of them will [accompany us] to Azerbaijan.”
Unfortunately, local audiences may have to wait a while before seeing these talented musicians perform on home soil, following Gibbon’s announcement that this year’s third concert season had been postponed.
The season was to run from 6 until 28 August.
“We have exercised very tight financial controls, and have not undertaken any activities without ensuring that we have sufficient funds to cover all expenses,” he said.
While the National Lottery Distribution Fund approved an almost R12.5 million grant last year and the orchestra did receive a first tranche of R8.735 million, the second tranche will be released only after progress reports have been approved.
“I do not believe that we will receive the funds in time to perform on the scheduled dates,” said Gibbon.
“We will reschedule the season as soon as we have the funds secured.”
Details: 011 789 2733; www.jpo.co.za; info@jpo.co.za
