(Above: Conductor Marin Alsop)
Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Marin Alsop, embarks on its first national tour of South Africa next month. Commencing on December 15, 2022, the tour will take the Orchestra to diverse South African communities, performing Beethoven’s Symphony No 9 with accomplished soloists and local choirs.
The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra has assembled a powerhouse line-up of musicians to perform this mighty work. Classical music superstar Marin Alsop is one of the most distinguished conductors of her generation, while the Orchestra’s Concert Master, South African violinist Pieter Schoeman, is also the Concert Master of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
The soloists include the renowned South African mezzo soprano Michelle Breedt who has performed in prestigious concert halls all over the world, and talented bass baritone Msimelelo Mbali who is making a mark in Europe’s operatic world and will appear at the English National Opera in the 2022/23 season. The tour will also feature dynamic local choirs such as the Gauteng Choristers, Tshwane University of Technology Choir, Mzansi Chorale and the New Apostolic Church Choir.
The three-city tour opens on December 15 at the Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg, followed by the concert on December 17 at The Playhouse in Durban and concludes on December 21 in Cape Town’s City Hall.
Bongani Tembe, the Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Mzansi National Philharmonic, says: “Through our varied and inclusive programmes, the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is committed to transforming lives and bringing people together through the power of music. Bringing together excellent South African musicians under the direction of a legendary conductor such as Marin Alsop, is a great honour. I have no doubt that people who come into contact with our work will experience the high artistic quality, vitality and commitment, which characterizes Mzansi NPO.”
Conductor Marin Alsop said: “I am looking forward to conducting the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra in December this year, in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. I have had the privilege of performing all over the world, but performing in a three-city tour of South Africa is a first for me - and I could not be more excited.”
Ms Alsop continued, “I love what the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is doing, not just in their country, but also further afield. Music and the arts have a unique power to elevate society, and I appreciate how this Orchestra is intent not only on achieving the highest artistic goals, but also take their responsibility to the community seriously.
"We have a special programme lined up for you - Beethoven’s 9th Symphony as you’ve never heard it before. The themes of this music are universal, and they are marked by tolerance, unity and joy - and align with the ideals of Nelson Mandela and the concept of Ubuntu, which South Africa has shared with the world. The choice of this Symphony is very appropriate for an Orchestra ushering in a new era. I can’t wait to be with you soon!!” concluded Alsop.
Beethoven’s ‘Ninth’, popularly known as ‘The Choral Symphony’, is the final masterpiece in the great composer’s symphonic oeuvre. Created between 1822 and 1824, it was first performed in Vienna on May 7, 1824. The symphony, which culminates in one of the most beloved of all melodies, The Ode to Joy, is regarded by many critics and musicologists the world over as Beethoven's greatest work, and one of the supreme achievements in the history of music.
Pieter Schoeman, the Orchestra’s concertmaster, said “In addition to the joy of performing with Marin Alsop, I am delighted at the opportunity to lead South Africa’s best and diverse orchestral musicians in the Mzansi Philharmonic’s first ever national tour of South Africa. I couldn’t ask for a better homecoming than Beethoven’s 9th Symphony - it promises to be the kind of concert that we’ll still be talking about in many years to come.”
The Mzansi NPO was officially launched earlier this year as part of an initiative of the South African national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, in order to broaden the orchestral experience of the country, transform the orchestral sector and to utilise this Orchestra to brand South Africa positively around the world. The Mzansi NPO’s mission includes the funding of regional and youth orchestras, and its artistic planning committee is finalising the funding process, with recipients to be announced before the end of the year. Among the Orchestra’s prime initiatives is supporting young, up and coming musicians studying both locally and internationally, as well as reaching out to provinces without their own professional orchestras.
Another significant part of the Orchestra’s programmes is to partner with South African artists who have made a great name for themselves on the international stage, returning to give back to their homeland and be part of this fantastic project.
The Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra’s board of directors is led by Justice Leona Theron, who commented: “After months of planning, we are thrilled that the Mzansi Philharmonic’s inaugural national tour is finally upon us. We are thrilled to welcome old and new friends to share the stage with us as we step into a new era. As we hoist this new flag together, I have no doubt that we will experience a level of excellence, artistry and inclusivity that we’ve only glimpsed at before.”
Tickets for each of the concerts on the Mzansi Philharmonic’s tour are available through Quicket.
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