The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) is back with their Summer Symphony Season for 2025, running from 27 February to 20 March. 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 leans heavily on iconic German and Slavic works, as well as well-respected compositions by Grieg, Saint-Saens and more

Here is the full season lineup not to be missed:

Week 1

The Summer Symphony Season 2025 opens with one of composer Carl Maria Weber’s final works before his passing in London. The Overture to Oberon is an enigmatic ebb and flow of themes all drawn from the opera leading us straight to Oberon’s world of fairies.

Guests can look forward to a live performance of Tchaikovsky’s only violin concerto. The Violin Concerto, Op. 35 in D Major is regarded as one of the most brilliant and cheerful of all his works. The final work on the programme is a heady rendition of Symphony No. 2, Op. 73 in D Major by Brahms which is most notable for its absolutely magical 4th movement.

Described by critics as ‘Dynamic, vigorous, exciting and imaginative – an undisputed star who combines magnetic charisma with a skilled technique’, guest conductor Daniel Boico is the Artistic Director and CEO designate of the Free State Symphony Orchestra and a regular collaborator with JPO’s concerts. The evening soloist is Mayumi Kanagawa who is a Berlin-based, Japanese-American violinist praised for her rich, dark sound and focused, engaging musicality.

Cost: From R180pp, book via Quicket

When: Thursday, 27 February at 7:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

Week 2

Joburgers will have the chance to listen to the impressive artistry of the young and talented Spanish pianist, Leo de Maria. The virtuoso has won more than 40 national and international awards including the First Prize for the International Piano Competitions UNISA held last year in Pretoria. Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 11 in e minor will transport listeners with its light, charming and timelessly romantic sounds.

Ukrainian-born conductor Mark Kadin is coming to Johannesburg and will lead the orchestra for Symphony No. 2, Op. 43 in D Major by Jean Sibelius. The conductor will fine-tune his deep expertise and refined musicality to inspire musicians and fine music lovers.

We’re nearing the 125th anniversary of the Finnish composer Sibelius’ grand Symphony No. 2 which unfolds with waves of Nordic intensity and majestic warmth of the Italian mainland. ‘I have been in the throes of a bitter struggle with this symphony,’ wrote Sibelius ahead of the release of the symphony on 8 March 1902. ‘Now the picture is clearer, and I am proceeding under full sail. Soon I hope to have something to dedicate to you. That is if you are pleased with the work.’

Cost: From R180pp, book via Quicket

When: Thursday, 6 March at 7:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

Week 3

Conductor Bernhard Gueller certainly needs no introduction. As principal guest conductor of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and a regular fixture for Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s Symphony Season concerts, Gueller is renowned for his profoundly energetic interpretations on the podium and is one of the biggest names in South African classical music.

Pianist Gustavo Romero brings his exceptional technical brilliance and interpretive depth to the African stage. The American talent will perform Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 15 in d minor with the orchestra which follows a beautifully harmonic awakening that is gentle to the soul.

Make sure you pay attention to the slow introduction to the first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4, Op. 60 in B-flat Major Holberg Suite, Op. 40 which is almost a movement on its own. Such intros were quite rare during the classical period and indicate the constant innovation of the iconic composer.

Cost: From R180pp, book via Quicket

When: Thursday, 13 March at 7:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

Week 4

The final concert for Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s Summer Symphony Season shines a light on incredible South African talent in chamber music.

Guest artists include Miroslav Chakaryan who comes from a distinguished musical family in Bulgaria and began violin lessons at age 6 and performed extensively as a soloist before relocating to South Africa in 1991.

Professor Anmari van der Westhuizen has more than thirty years of experience as a principal cellist of orchestras and string ensembles. She was the conductor/director of the UCT String Ensemble for ten years and is currently the conductor of the Odeion Sinfonia and co-conductor of the Free State Youth Orchestra.

A Steinway Artist and one of the leading pianists in South Africa, Ben Schoeman performed at the world’s top concert halls and recorded many televised shows and albums of the great composers.

Conductor Daniel Boico will grace the podium for an evening of highlights that include Haydn’s Kinder-symphonie (Toy Symphony), Hob. II in C Major which is one of the few works where musicians can indulge in a fun performance that creates whimsical imagery through sound.

Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, Op. 56 in C Major holds a cello solo opening of the second movement which is one of the most beautiful and evocative you’ll get to experience. It’s tension, tempo and flawless precision for the cinematic charm for Symphony No. 4, Op. 90 in A Major, “Italian” by Mendelssohn.

Cost: From R180pp, book via Quicket

When: Thursday, 20 March at 7:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

Make sure you arrive early for the informative 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 Linder 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 22 February to 14 March 2024, every Thursday from 7:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

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

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