Under the auspices of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, The UFO (University Philharmonia Orchestra) serves as a training ground for gifted young musicians, many of whom go on to significant careers in major symphony orchestras, opera houses, and chamber music ensembles—and as leading educators.

Under the baton of Kenneth Kiesler, who has been at the helm of The University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra (USO) as its Music Director and Conductor since 1995, the USO is considered one of the world’s finest student orchestras.

Soloists for the tour include:

  • 🎤 Daniel A. Washington – Renowned bass-baritone and Professor of Music at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
  • 🎶 Karen Slack – 2025 Grammy Award-winning soprano
  • 🌟 Goitsemang Lehobye – South Africa’s own star soprano

🌍 South African Tour Dates & Venues

Audiences are in for a treat as the USO embarks on a national tour across South Africa, visiting:

đź“… TOUR ITINERARY:

  • Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – 19:00
    🎵 CONCERT I: Aula, University of Pretoria

  • Friday, May 23, 2025 – 19:00
    🎵 CONCERT II: Regina Mundi Church, Soweto

  • Saturday, May 24, 2025 – 16:00
    🎵 CONCERT III: Linder Auditorium, University of the Witwatersrand/JCE, Johannesburg

  • Monday, May 26, 2025 – 19:00
    🎵 CONCERT IV: Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, Parow, Western Cape

  • Tuesday, May 27, 2025 – 19:30
    🎵 CONCERT V: Cape Town City Hall

🎶 Programme

BERNSTEIN – On the Waterfront Suite
GERSHWIN – Porgy and Bess

  • Summertime – Goitsemang Lehobye
  • I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’ – Daniel Washington
  • My Man’s Gone Now – Karen Slack
  • Bess, You Is My Woman Now – Daniel Washington & Karen Slack

Intermission

WILLIAM DAWSON – Negro Folk Symphony
CARL DAVIS, arr. – Deep River – Daniel Washington
HALE SMITH, arr. – Witness – Karen Slack & Goitsemang Lehobye
SIDUMO NYAMEZELE – Bawo Thixo Somandla (a cappella)
Plea for Africa – Goitsemang Lehobye, with Karen Slack & Daniel Washington

✨ What the Critics Say

“The University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Kenneth Kiesler, delivers an absolutely professional performance—listeners would never guess that it is a student ensemble. All the musicians are technically superb, and their ensemble playing is flawless.”

Věroslav Němec, Prosinec & Harmonie 2022

🎟️ Book Your Tickets

This unforgettable tour is brought to South Africa by Classical Movements, the premier concert tour company for the world’s great orchestras and choirs.

Tickets available at:
👉 www.classicalmovements.com/umso-sa-tour
👉 www.quicket.co.za