Mzansi Philharmonic – Voices of Home Tour 2024
Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra Celebrates South African Excellence and Global Music Collaboration Through Its New National Tour: Voices of Home
The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra has announced its most expansive national tour yet – Voices of Home – a musical journey that honours South Africa’s heritage while connecting with global artistry. This December, audiences in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town will experience a powerful collaboration that redefines the boundaries of classical music.
At the heart of this landmark tour is a stellar line-up featuring internationally acclaimed conductor Marin Alsop, South African cello virtuoso Abel Selaocoe, and master percussionist Bernhard Schimpelsberger. Together, they promise to deliver performances that bridge continents while remaining deeply rooted in South Africa’s cultural identity.
A Celebration of South Africa’s Rising Voice
Central to the programme is the South African tour debut of Selaocoe’s Four Spirits Cello Concerto, a deeply personal work reflecting memory, rhythm, joy, resistance, and celebration. It will be paired with Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2, a sweeping Romantic masterpiece celebrated for its emotional depth and grandeur.
“Voices of Home is not another concert tour. It is a national celebration to bring South Africans together… a tribute to the excellence of music, heritage, and the dynamic cultural momentum of South Africa,”.
said Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Mzansi Philharmonic
Alsop, known as one of the most celebrated conductors of her generation, shared her excitement:
“Abel Selaocoe is one of the most original voices in classical music today. He is passionate, fearless, and deeply connected to home. This tour celebrates what is possible when tradition meets innovation.”
Reflecting on his debut with Mzansi Philharmonic, Selaocoe added:
“Four Spirits was born from the stories and sounds that shaped me… To bring this work to audiences across South Africa with the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is a deep honour. It feels like bringing the music home.”
Redefining the Boundaries of Classical Music
The Voices of Home tour reinforces Mzansi Philharmonic’s mission to broaden access to orchestral music while celebrating South African artistry. Beyond its headline concerts, the orchestra will host community upliftment activities, including intimate performances at hospitals in each city, underscoring its commitment to making music accessible and healing.
Tour Dates and Venues
- Johannesburg – Linder Auditorium | 19:30 | 10 & 11 December
- Durban – Playhouse Opera Theatre | 15:00 | 13 December
- Cape Town – Cape Town City Hall | 18:00 | 16 December
Tickets are available now via Quicket.
The Voices of Home tour is more than a concert series – it is a national celebration of music, identity, and collaboration, bringing the power of orchestral performance to the heart of South Africa.