The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) is back with the tradition of the Spring Symphony Series programme running from 24 October to 14 November 2024.

This four-week classical music event in Johannesburg once again promises a fresh lineup of internationally acclaimed conductors and soloists, familiar faces and exciting debut performers.   

This year the musical programme includes a repertoire of all-time favourites by Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Mendelssohn and Chopin, as well as widely performed works by Dvorak, Brahms and Bruch.

Here is the full season lineup not to be missed:

Spring Gala Concert with JPO and the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra

Headlining the Spring Symphony Season is the much-anticipated Spring Gala Concert which is jointly performed by two of South Africa’s leading orchestras – Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestras.

Two internationally recognised artists – acclaimed conductor Marcelo Lehninger, who has been recognised for his natural musicality and intelligence, and celebrated next-gen pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason who is captivating audiences around the world with her dexterity in performance and interpretation.

The musical programme for the evening features Dvořák’s rousing and vivacious Carnival Overture Opus 92 which is perhaps the closest we’ll get to a tambourine concerto. Joburgers will have the rare opportunity to witness the dynamics of brass, string and woodwinds in the eccentric Pictures at an Exhibition by Russian composer Muggorsky.

The brilliance of youth talent unravels in a charming contrast with Jeneba showcasing her ever-expanding repertoire with a rendition of the Piano Concert No. 2, Opus 21 in f minor by Chopin, an iconic work before the composer developed at age 20 before he finished his formal education.

Cost: From R200pp, book via Quicket

When: Thursday, 24 October at 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

Week Two

JPO invites conductor Rebecca Tong who is actively involved in the artistic programming of both Jakarta Simfonia Orchestra and Ensemble Kontemporer with a focus on educating and familiarising Indonesian audiences about both classical and contemporary orchestral works, whilst expanding her own repertoire.

Guest violinist Soyoung Yoon is renowned for her meticulous and highly disciplined artistry with critics at The Guardian describing her performances as “suave,” for the seamless delivery of technical perfection in music. Soyoung’s latest achievement is winning the first prize at the Tokyo Classic Violin Competition 2024.

A degree of impeccable sensitivity is required for the beautiful and melancholic Scottish Fantasy Opus 46 by German composer, Bruch which evokes drama in the Highlands. Also on the Spring Symphony Season concert programme is Dvořák’s Goldern Spinning Wheel Opus 109. When writing this symphonic poem, Dvořák was following the plot of one of the popular Czech folk tales for the work.

The orchestra steams into waves of temperament, lively sounds, and whimsy under the baton of Tong for a bold delivery of Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture.

Cost: R170pp, book via Quicket

When: Thursday, 31 October from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

Week Three 

English conductor Rory MacDonald made his debut with Oper Frankfurt in 2018/19 with Così fan tutte and has since led many acclaimed productions in leading opera houses and chamber music halls across the globe.

A highlight on the evening’s lineup is Rory leading the orchestra for a performance of pioneering African American composer Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1.

Steinway Artist and laureate of several international competitions, Olga Kern was born into a family of musicians and began studying piano at the age of five. Guests can look forward to Olga’s vivid onstage presence, dazzling technique, and keen musicianship as she takes centre stage for Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1, Opus 23 in b-flat minor. This enduring piece is regarded by many as one of the finest and most powerful music ever made.

Cost: R170pp, book via Quicket

When: Thursday, 7 November from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

Week Four

Conductor Rebecca Tong returns as JPO’s Spring Symphony Season takes its final bow (for now!) for a special programme featuring Mozart’s Don Giovanni Overture K.527 which boasts both an energetic and sublime charm.

The stage is set for the dynamic duo of violinist Daniel Rowland and cellist Maja Bogdanovic to show off a wonderful interpretation of the Double Concerto in a minor, Opus 102 by Brahms in natural harmony.

Also on the programme is Symphony No.3 Opus 56 in a minor, Scottish which is a rather serious if not dark score by Mendelssohn. Flashes of lightness bring a rounded and smooth element to the obscure background.

The dynamic duo of violinist Daniel has established himself on the international scene as a highly versatile, communicative, charismatic and adventurous performer and cellist Maja, who has taken her place as today’s foremost cellist, concludes the Season.

Cost: R170pp, book via Quicket

When: Thursday, 14 November from 7:30pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

The Pre-Concert Talks are back again

Plan your evening carefully and be sure to join the Pre-Concert Talks that run before each concert at 6:30pm. Deano Maduramuthu, previously from the Morning Drive on Classic 1027 hosts an informative and engaging way to learn about the music before the Spring Symphony Season concerts start. 

The talks all touch on music theory, guided listening and the program’s historical and cultural context. Entrance to the talks is free and all patrons are welcome.   

27 Degrees restaurant right next to Linder Auditorium serves dinner from 5pm and secure and convenient parking is available. 

Who is JPO and how to get in touch?

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) is a not-for-profit company that is invested in identifying and nurturing local talent and skills in the city’s creative community. The Spring Symphony Season concerts and regular collaborations are prime markers of using classical music to bring people together.

When: From 24 October to 14 November 2024, every Thursday from 7:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

Website: jpo.co.za
Tel: 011 484 0446
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @JohannesburgPhilharmonicOrchestra
Instagram: @johannesburgphilharmonic

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