SA: JPO World Symphony Series programme released

The event will feature local music conductors Daniel Boico, Brandon Phillips, Conrad van Alphen and Catherine Wines. The list also features soloists Charl du Plessis, Alexander Buzlov, celebrated Russian soloist Nikita Boriso-Glebsky and Spencer Myer from the US.

“One of four programmes will be presented each week during the season, with Wednesday evening performances reprised the following Thursday evening,” the JPO said. “The season will be presented as part of the renowned World Symphony Series, which was launched in Durban 22 years ago and was introduced to JPO audiences late last year.”

Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal philharmonic orchestras chief executive and artistic director Bongani Tembe expressed excitement about this year’s programme.

“We are excited to continue with the second leg of our 2018 World Symphony Series, presenting an array of top-flight international conductors and soloists to our concert platforms along with prominent South African artists," he said

"We continue to carry out the orchestra’s broad mission of developing its dynamic artistic vision and focus on offering music-making of the highest excellence to the city of Johannesburg. This endeavour dovetails with our community engagement programmes.”

Tembe said the JPO continued to present a series of world class-concerts that promoted the transfer of skills to young musicians. He said the organisation “remains committed to enriching the cultural life of all South African citizens”.

Following the success of his JPO debut last season, Daniel Boico will perform on 30 and 31 May. Cape Town-based conductor Brandon Phillips takes to the podium on 6 and 7 June. He opens with Ludwig van Beethoven’s powerfully expressive 'Egmont Overture' – one of the last works of the composer’s middle period written in a style similar to the Fifth Symphony.    

South Africa-born conductor Conrad van Alphen will perform on 13 and 14 June. He will open his programme with a performance of Mendelssohn’s 'Ruy Blas Overture'. He will be accompanied by Nikita Boriso-Glebsky. Conductor Cathrine Winnes will conclude the season with two performances on 20 and 21 June. She will be accompanied by pianist Spencer Myer who will occupy the evening’s solo slot.

The season features performances of Russian composer Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka’s 'Summer Night in Madrid Overture', Norwegian composer and pianist Edvard Grieg’s 'Piano Concerto in A Minor' and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s exotic symphonic poem 'Scheherazade'.  

For more information about the World Symphony Series 2018 Winter Season, visit the JPO official website. Tickets are available here.