May 18, 2005
By Bafana Nzimande
IT IS five years old this month and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) is in a celebratory mood. To mark the occasion, the orchestra has a new symphony season that includes a South Africa work: Fatse le Heso by Michael Moerane.
The JPO was established in 2000 by a small group of musicians after the demise of the National Symphony Orchestra.
"In the short space of five years, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra has silenced many of its critics [who were not convinced it would survive]," says Bronwen Noble, the marketing and communications officer.
Bernhard Gueller conducts Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No 3 and Shostakovich's Symphony No 5
"It has grown into a household name that symbolises a world class orchestra that seeks to provide Johannesburg music lovers with world class symphonies and quality performances."
For funding, the JPO relies on sponsors, subscribers and ticket sales to its performances. Noble says it has about 1 200 season ticket holders, which it aims to increase.
"The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra's productions have been attracting a huge following and we have seen an increase in the orchestra's subscriber base."
It also relies on corporate events to perform its repertoire and raise funds. Each year the orchestra presents four five-week symphony seasons, averaging about 40 symphonic concerts that include a wide range of works.
New symphony season
To celebrate its birthday, the JPO has constructed a riveting new symphony season with a little something for everyone.
The first concert, on 18 and 19 May, is an interesting mixture of Moerane, Mozart and Mendelssohn. Soloist, and Unisa Competition prize winner, Spencer Myer will perform, with South African Xandi van Dijk conducting.
On the programme are Mozart's Schauspieldirektor Overture and the Piano Concerto No 24 in C-minor, along with Mendelssohn's Symphony No 5. The orchestra will also perform Moerane's Fatse le Heso.
Moerane, who died in 1980, was a graduate of the University of South Africa and taught at a number of schools in southern Africa. One of his pupils was his nephew, Thabo Mbeki, whom he taught the flute.
Finnish cellist Martti Rousi is the guest soloist on the second programme, on 25 and 26 May. On the bill is Schubert's The Unfinished Symphony, Schumann's Cello Concerto and Brahms's Symphony No 4. Toby Hoffman conducts.
On 1 and 2 June veteran conductor Michael Hankinson leads violinist Phillipe Graffin and the orchestra in the delightful Symphony No 40 by Mozart and Elgar's Violin Concerto.
Prokofiev's tantalising Piano Concerto No 3 and Shostakovich's sizzling Symphony No 5 are the chosen pieces for 8 and 9 June. French-born pianist Jean Dubé, under the baton of Bernard Gueller, will perform.
For the season finale - on 15 and 16 June - pianist Christopher Duigan will perform Mozart's Piano Concerto No 20. Mahler's Symphony No 9 is also on the programme.
All performances are at the Linder Auditorium on the Wits Education Campus in Parktown and start at 8pm. Tickets are available from Computicket or from the JPO on 011 789 2733.
"Music lovers are advised to get their tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment," Noble says.
For more information about the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, call 011 883 2213 or 011 789 2733, or visit the website Click here
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