The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, an orchestra conducted by Marin Alsop, is setting off on its first national tour of South Africa next month.
Starting on 15 December, the group will tour various communities in our country, performing the mighty work of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 alongside accomplished soloists and local choirs.
For this performance, the orchestra has assembled an impressive line-up of musicians.
Marin Alsop is a classical music superstar, and is the orchestra’s Concert Master, with the violinist Pieter Schoeman being the Concert Master of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
The soloists are also powerhouses, including mezzo soprano Michelle Breedt, who has performed in concert halls internationally, and baritone Msimelelo Mbali whose accomplishments extend to Europe where he will be appearing in the English National Opera 2022/23 season.
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The local choirs featured on the tour will include the Gauteng Choristers, Tshwane University of Technology Choir, Mzansi Chorale, and the New Apostolic Church Choir.
The tour takes the group to three cities: Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town between the 15 and 21 of December. Be sure to attend their performance at Cape Town’s City Hall on the 21 December.
“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,” says Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra.
He continues to say that “bringing together excellent South African musicians under the direction of a legendary conductor, such as Marin Alsop, is a great honour.”
Tembe promises that audiences will experience the work as highly artistic, and full of vitality and commitment, which he says represent characteristics of the orchestra.
Conductor Marin Alsop is also looking forward to conducting orchestra for the tour.
“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,” she explains.
“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.”
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Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, popularly known as “The Choral Symphony”, is often regarded as Beethoven’s greatest work, and the orchestra will play it in a way unlike before. Its themes of tolerance, unity and joy come together with the values of Nelson Mandela and the concept of Ubuntu.
Pieter Schoeman says that he “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 for many years to come.”
The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra was launched earlier this year as part of an initiative of the South African National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The idea is to broaden the orchestral experience of the country, for both musicians and audiences.
The initiative includes the funding of regional and youth orchestras, which is being finalised as the recipients will be announced before the end of the year. It also aims to support young musicians who are studying locally and internationally.
Justice Leona Theron, chairperson of the board of directors of the orchestra, says “After months of planning, we are thrilled that the Mzansi Philharmonic’s inaugural national tour is finally upon us. We are excited to welcome our friends to share the stage with us as we step into a new era.
As we raise this new banner together, I have no doubt that we will experience a level of excellence, artistry, and inclusivity that we have only glimpsed before.”
Tickets for the tour concerts are available here.
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Picture: Unsplash