The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra Valentine’s Gala Concert 2025

Join the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra for the annual Valentine’s Gala Concert for a mix of classical works and contemporary love-themed songs for both young and old. This year the concert takes place on Friday, 14 February at the Linder Auditorium.

Well-known conductor, Eddie Clayton, will guide the orchestra for this special concert. A host of accomplished vocalists include Zita Pretorius, Monde Msuntwana and acclaimed trumpeter, Adam Howard.

“The Valentine’s concert with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra provides a conducive environment for celebrating with loved ones, family and friends, whilst enjoying beautiful music,” says Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the JPO. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s on the Valentine’s Gala Concert programme

The evening soundscape features a mixed bag of beloved genres such as Tchaikovsky’s Waltz from Sleeping Beauty and Offenbach’s Orpheus in Underworld Overture, iconic sounds like Miriam Makeba’s hit song Ntyilo Ntyilo and Marvin Gaye’s ‘Let’s Get It On’, and modern masterpieces from Michael Bublé, Adele and others. The Valentine’s Gala Concert promises an experience of an indulgent and evolved selection of music.

Strauss: Voices of Spring Waltz
Hummel: Trumpet concerto 3^rd movement
Gimme Gimme – From Thoroughly Modern Millie
Michael Bublé: Close your eyes
Vaughan-Williams: Fantasia on Greensleeves
The Rose: Zita/Adam duet
Andrew Lloyd Webber: All I ask of you from The Phantom of the Opera
Offenbach: Orpheus in Underworld Overture

INTERVAL

Nicolai: The Merry Wives of Windsor Overture
Anderson: Trumpeter’s Lullaby
Adele: Make you feel my love
Marvin Gaye: Let’s get it on
Labryinth: Beneath your beautiful
Gershwin: Promenade
Miriam Makeba: Ntyilo Ntyilo – featuring Adam Howard on trumpet
Tchaikovsky: Waltz from Sleeping Beauty

Here are the guest conductor and soloists

South African popular singer Zita Pretorius is a classical-crossover vocalist who performs across a spectrum of classical, opera and contemporary music. Joining the programme is Monde Msutwana, a seasoned performer, who has been described as a ‘young man full of life, love and music’ and will take you along memories and emotions with soulful melodies and lyrics that pull at the heartstrings.

Having composed, produced, arranged and performed with many of South Africa’s top artists, trumpeter Adam Howard is a musical force in the diverse musical landscape of the country. Howard musically directed William Kentridge’s “Refuse The Hour” world tour and performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup with his Johannesburg Big Band.

The Valentine’s Gala Concert compere is Masego Rahlaga, a distinguished South African broadcast journalist and host who is currently co-anchoring The South African Morning on eNCA.