Cape Town 16 Dec 2025 – Mzansi Philharmonic Voices of Home
16 December @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Cape Town audiences are in for a spectacular evening of music when the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra brings its acclaimed Voices of Home national tour to Cape Town City Hall on 16 December 2025 at 18:00. As the grand finale of the orchestra’s most expansive tour to date, this performance promises an unforgettable celebration of South African heritage and world-class artistry.
Under the baton of internationally renowned conductor Marin Alsop, the programme features South Africa’s trailblazing cellist Abel Selaocoe alongside percussionist Bernhard Schimpelsberger. Together, they create a performance that blends African soul with reimagined classical tradition, presenting a narrative of memory, rhythm, and the unmistakable spirit of home.
A Journey Across Borders and Generations
The concert opens with Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, a jubilant burst of energy, followed by Laura Karpman’s All American, a work filled with contemporary brilliance and vitality.
The spotlight then shines on Selaocoe’s Four Spirits Cello Concerto, a composition that channels the sounds and stories of his South African roots. This genre-defining piece, arranged by Benjamin Woodgates, brings together ancient echoes, rhythmic vitality, and emotional storytelling.
The evening concludes with Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2, a Romantic masterpiece famed for its sweeping melodies and lush emotional landscape — ensuring the concert ends on a soaring, unforgettable note.
Programme Details
Conductor: Marin Alsop
Soloist: Abel Selaocoe (cello), with Bernhard Schimpelsberger (percussion)
Repertoire:
- Dmitri Shostakovich – Festive Overture
- Laura Karpman – All American
- Abel Selaocoe – Four Spirits Cello Concerto (arr. Benjamin Woodgates)
- Sergei Rachmaninov – Symphony No. 2
Venue Information
- Secure Parking Available
- No Under-3s Allowed
The Voices of Home concert in Cape Town is more than a performance — it is a cultural celebration, bringing together local brilliance and international excellence on one stage. As the tour draws to a close, Cape Town audiences will be part of a powerful moment where South Africa’s voice in the world of music shines louder than ever.
Purchase Ticket:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/331130-cape-town-16-dec-25-mzansi-philharmonic-orchestra/?ref=organiser-profile#/Related Events
