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Johannesburg Philharmonic Announces 2026 Symphony Season
26 February @ 7:30 pm – 19 March @ 9:30 pm
Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra Unveils 2026 Symphony Season and Global Conducting Fellowship Partnership
The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) has officially launched its 2026 World Symphony Series Summer Season in Johannesburg, alongside announcing its participation in the internationally recognised Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship (TACF).
The announcement signals an ambitious year ahead, bringing leading international soloists, distinguished conductors, and a strong commitment to inclusivity, mentorship, and artistic excellence within South Africa’s classical music landscape.
According to Chief Executive and Artistic Director Bongani Tembe, the orchestra is proud to present a season that not only celebrates musical brilliance but also contributes meaningfully to developing the next generation of women conductors through global collaboration and real-world professional opportunities.
2026 World Symphony Series Summer Season
The 2026 summer concerts will be staged at the Wits Linder Auditorium, located at the University of the Witwatersrand. Performances take place every Thursday from 26 February to 19 March 2026 at 19:30.
Opening Night – 26 February
Japanese conductor Yasuo Shinozaki leads the season opener, featuring Canadian cellist Bryan Cheng. The programme includes Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1, Britten’s Simple Symphony, and Dvořák’s beloved “New World” Symphony.
Second Concert – 5 March
Conductor Conrad van Alphen presents works by Fauré, Chopin, and Beethoven. Bulgarian pianist Ludmil Angelov performs Chopin’s virtuosic variations and Grande Polonaise Brillante, followed by Beethoven’s uplifting Second Symphony.
Third Concert – 12 March
Returning to the podium, Daniel Boico conducts Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture and Violin Concerto in E minor, featuring renowned South African violinist Zanta Hofmeyr.
The evening also introduces a new composition by Warren Bessey, inspired by South Africa’s First Nation, the San people—marking an important artistic milestone for the orchestra.
Finale – 19 March
The closing concert, again under Conrad van Alphen, features Reznicek’s Donna Diana Overture, Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3 performed by Bulgarian pianist Emanuil Ivanov, and Tchaikovsky’s deeply emotional “Pathétique” Symphony.
2026 Valentine’s Day Gala Concert
The JPO also confirmed its 2026 Valentine’s Day Gala at the Wits Linder Auditorium, conducted by Daniel Boico.
South African pianist Charl du Plessis will perform romantic classics including Rachmaninov’s 18th Variation and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumble Bee.
The evening features ballroom dancers Nkululeko Khumalo and Sthembile Ndwandwe of the Nkulu and Sthe duo, performing to music by Tchaikovsky, Piazzolla, Mancini, and Lerner & Loewe.
Tickets will be available via Quicket from R190.
Global Conducting Fellowship Collaboration
Through its partnership with the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship, the JPO joins an expanding international network that includes the Reno Philharmonic, the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice.
As part of this initiative, the South African orchestras will host conducting residencies for TACF fellows—strengthening pathways for women conductors on the global stage while deepening international cultural exchange.
Booking Information
Season ticket holders receive exclusive benefits.
Bookings & enquiries: 011 484 0446 | info@jpo.co.za
Quicket support: support@quicket.co.za
With a vibrant concert programme and meaningful global partnerships, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2026 season promises to be a defining celebration of musical excellence, collaboration, and artistic growth in South Africa.
Purchase Ticket:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/276605-jpo-summer-symphony-season-2026/?ref=organiser-profile#/Related Events
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