The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) returns with the Spring Symphony Season running from 29 October to 19 November 2026.
This four-week classical music event in Johannesburg once again promises a fresh lineup of the biggest conductors and soloists in classical music, familiar faces and exciting debut performers. The first concert in the Spring series also marks a rare joint orchestra with JPO and the visiting KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Here is the full season lineup not to be missed:
Week 1: A special joint concert with JPO and the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra
A firm tradition for the Spring Symphony Series is the Spring Gala Concert, where two of South Africa’s leading orchestras meet for one night only. The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) will perform the evening programme of works live alongside the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra.
One of the most exciting talents in classical music leads this concert. Recognised by audiences, peers, and critics alike for his communicative and engaging musicianship, combining clarity, eloquence of expression, and a strong sense of narrative, Canadian conductor Maestro Jean-Claude Picard conducts a riveting programme of Walton, Gershwin, and Holst.
The performance features South Africa’s illustrious opera stars Pumeza Matshikiza (soprano) and Musa Ngqungwana (bass-baritone) taking center stage in arias from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, beloved for its fusion of jazz, blues, and classical traditions into an American folk opera.
Cost: From R190pp, book via Quicket.
When: Thursday, 29 October at 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
Week Two
Joburgers are in for a treat with a second Spring Symphony Season concert under the baton of conductor Jean-Claude Picard, who returns for the second concert with a programme of Italian, Austrian and Russian masterworks.
Opening with Respighi’s Gli uccelli (The Birds), gifted young South Korean violinist Sungmin Cho steps into the spotlight as soloist in Mozart’s D Major Violin Concerto… a dazzling display of youthful brilliance and theatrical charm.
In closing, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite distils one of ballet’s greatest tragic scores into a breathtaking tapestry of symphonic romance.
Cost: From R190pp, book via Quicket.
When: Thursday, 5 November from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
Week Three
The third week of the concert series sees the brilliant German conductor Christian Schumann take the podium, opening with Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture.
The programme follows with more Beethoven, as Japanese pianist Yu Kosuge, renowned for her profound depth and dazzling technical mastery, tackles the great composer’s revolutionary Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major. The evening shifts into pure sunshine and high spirits to conclude the programme with Georges Bizet’s Symphony in C Major… an exhilarating, vibrant finale guaranteed to leave audiences spellbound.
Cost: From R190pp, book via Quicket.
When: Thursday, 12 November from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
Week Four
A frequent JPO collaborator and one of the foremost conductors, Daniel Boico takes the stage for the final concert. Boico is the artistic director and CEO designate of the Free State Symphony Orchestra in Bloemfontein. His deep musicianship curates exciting performances across the globe and right here in South Africa.
The evening commences with Alexander Borodin’s Overture to Prince Igor, brimming with vibrant orchestration and lush themes. Virtuoso pianist Polina Osetinskaya then brings her signature depth and passion to Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No 2. The programme closes with Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9.
Cost: From R190pp, book via Quicket.
When: Thursday, 19 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 is right next to Linder Auditorium, and serves dinner from 5pm. 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 examples of using classical music to bring people together.
Bookings for season tickets are now available at [email protected] / [email protected] or 011 484 0446.
When: From 29 October to 19 November 2026, 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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