The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) today hosted a press launch in Johannesburg, formally unveiling the 2026 World Symphony Series Summer Season of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. The event also announced the orchestra’s participation in the internationally recognised Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship (TACF).
The launch outlined a dynamic 2026 programme featuring leading international soloists, distinguished conductors, and a continued focus on artistic excellence, inclusivity, and mentorship within South Africa’s classical music sector.
Commenting on the announcements, Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of both orchestras, said:
“The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to present its 2026 World Symphony Series Summer Season and to meaningfully contribute to the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship, which fosters talented women conductors through active mentorship and real-world professional opportunities.”
Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra: 2026 World Symphony Series Summer Season
The JPO’s 2026 World Symphony Series Summer Season will take place at the Wits Linder Auditorium, University of the Witwatersrand, every Thursday from 26 February to 19 March 2026, with concerts starting at 19h30.
The season opens on 26 February under the baton of Yasuo Shinozaki, featuring Canadian cellist Bryan Cheng in Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 in D minor. The programme also includes Britten’s Simple Symphony and concludes with Dvořák’s much-loved “New World” Symphony.
On 5 March, Conrad van Alphen conducts a programme of works by Fauré, Chopin and Beethoven. Bulgarian virtuoso Ludmil Angelov takes centre stage in Chopin’s Variations on “Là ci darem la mano” and the Grande Polonaise Brillante, followed by Beethoven’s buoyant Second Symphony.
Daniel Boico returns to the podium on 12 March with Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture and the celebrated Violin Concerto in E minor, featuring acclaimed South African violinist Zanta Hofmeyr. The concert also marks the JPO’ debut of a new work by Canadian-born, South African-based composer Warren Bessey, inspired by South Africa’s First Nation – the San people.
The final concert on 19 March, conducted by Conrad van Alphen, features Reznicek’s Donna Diana Overture, Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with Bulgarian pianist Emanuil Ivanov, and Tchaikovsky’s deeply moving “Pathétique” Symphony.
2026 Valentine’s Day Gala Concert
Also announced at the media launch was the JPO’s 2026 Valentine’s Day Gala Concert, to be presented at the Wits Linder Auditorium.
Conducted by Daniel Boico, the concert celebrates love through a programme of popular classics, including highlights from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Holst’s Venus from The Planets, and Tchaikovsky’s Pas de Deux from The Nutcracker.
South African pianist Charl du Plessis will perform Rachmaninov’s 18th Variation from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumble Bee. The evening also features acclaimed ballroom dancers, Nkululeko Khumalo and Sthembile Ndwandwe of Nkulu and Sthe duo, performing to works by Tchaikovsky, Piazzolla, Mancini, and Lerner & Loewe.
Tickets will be available via Quicket, starting from R190.
Global Conducting Fellowship Partnership
The press launch also confirmed the participation of JPO in the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship, a global programme dedicated to advancing the careers of women conductors.
The TACF has recently expanded its international network to include partnerships with the Reno Philharmonic (USA), the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR) in Katowice, Poland. As part of this initiative, both South African orchestras will offer conducting residencies to TACF fellows.
Booking Information
Season ticket holders enjoy exclusive benefits.
Bookings and enquiries: 011 484 0446 | info@jpo.co.za
Quicket support: support@quicket.co.za
