Following the sold-out Winter Season, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) continues the tradition of the World Symphony Series with their Early Spring Season programme this August.
This three-week classical music event in Johannesburg presents a captivating line-up of international conductors and soloists, familiar faces and exciting debut performers.
‘The remarkable response to the recent JPO Seasons is testimony to the public’s strong appetite for symphony concerts,’ says JPO CE and artistic director Bongani Tembe. ‘We are encouraged and excited to continue to bring another season of beautiful music.’
Here is the full season lineup not to be missed:
Week One
JPO’s Early Spring Season kicks off with Dutch maestro Arjan Tien who is widely considered to be one of the most versatile conductors of his generation and performed locally quite a few times.
Tien leads the orchestra while French ‘violinist of great distinction’ Fanny Clamagerand soloist performs Mendelssohn’s Concerto for violin, one of the most perfect pieces of composed music ever made. Dovrak’s Symphony no 7 with its drama and lush sounds also forms part of the programme.
When: Thursday, 17 August at 7:30pm
Cost: R160pp, book via Quicket
Week Two
Russian composer Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3 is arguably one of the most passionate and beloved concertos thanks to the easy shifts between darkness and a lighthearted romantic mood.
His compatriot, multi-award-winning pianist Evgeny Konnov, performs an interpretation of the timeless concerto with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
Italian conductor Claudia Patane brings the work to life, as well as Tchaikovsky’s Symphony Pathetique which follows a rollercoaster of chaotic strings and waltzes, graceful beauty, and melodrama for the composer’s final masterpiece.
When: Thursday, 24 August at 7:30pm
Cost: R160pp, book via Quicket
Week Three
Conductor and audience favourite Daniel Boico returns to Linder Auditorium to lead the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra in this beautifully conducted showcase.
Boico is joined by Japanese pianist, Etsuko Hirose, whose exceptional virtuosity has been praised internationally and displays the sensitivity and rhythm needed for Schumann’s Concerto for Piano in a Minor with its dynamic movements.
The Early Spring Season closes with a dramatic close with Beethoven’s cinematic and heavenly Symphony no 2 in C Major.
When: Thursday, 31 August at 7:30pm
Cost: R160pp, book via Quicket
Round out your evening with Pre-Concert Talks
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 your concert.
The talks 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 Liinder Auditorium serves dinner from 5pm and secure and convenient parking is available.
More about JPO
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. Their seasonal concerts and regular collaborations are prime markers of using classical music to bring people together.
When: From 17 to 31 August, 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
