The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is set to embark on a national tour titled Voices of Home, aiming to reconnect South Africans with their cultural and musical identity.
The tour will take place in three major cities: Johannesburg on 10 and 11 December, Durban on 13 December, and Cape Town on 16 December, coinciding with the Day of Reconciliation.
The orchestra says the tour forms part of its broader mission to make orchestral music accessible across the country.
CEO and Artistic Director Bongani Tembe said the theme Voices of Home was inspired by the growing global recognition of South African artistic excellence and the strong cultural voice emerging from the continent.
What inspired the theme “Voices of Home” for this national tour?
The theme Voices of Home was inspired by the growing global recognition of South Africa’s creative excellence and the distinctive artistic voice emerging from the continent. As South Africa’s influence expands, our cultural voice grows louder, and the world is listening.
A major inspiration is Abel Selaocoe’s return home. His music, with its earthiness and deep connection to memory, rhythm, and storytelling, embodies the emotional landscape of ‘home’. The tour also brings back several top South African musicians who have built careers abroad, creating a meaningful homecoming and an opportunity for them to give back through performance.
How does the orchestra aim to reflect South Africa’s diverse cultural identity through this performance?
The orchestra reflects South Africa’s diverse cultural identity by presenting a programme that weaves together global classical traditions with the musical languages, rhythms, and stories that are uniquely South African. This is expressed most powerfully through Abel Selaocoe’s Four Spirits Cello Concerto — a work rooted in memory, resistance, joy, and celebration. Its inclusion on tour highlights the depth and diversity of South Africa’s cultural voice.
What can audiences expect from the musical programme? Are there any standout pieces or new compositions?
Expect a programme with variety and contrast, from energetic overtures to contemporary compositions and a sweeping Romantic symphony, giving listeners a full emotional and musical journey. A final symphony that is widely loved and emotionally expansive, ideal for leaving a lasting impression and tying together the global and local threads of the concert.
The orchestra is described as a symbol of resilience. How has it overcome challenges such as funding constraints to reach this national stage?
The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is described as a symbol of resilience because it was built with a clear national mandate but has had to navigate the realities of the funding landscape, the sustainability of the arts, and operating at a national scale.
Strong governance has been a key factor in our success. Led by a board chaired by Justice Leona Theron and guided by Chief Executive and Artistic Director Bongani Tembe, the orchestra has continued to prioritise access, inclusion, and nation-building, even in a sometimes challenging environment.
Why is it important for South Africans to reconnect with their cultural identity through music right now?
It’s important for South Africans to reconnect with their cultural identity through music right now because we are living in a moment of profound change socially, culturally, and generationally. Music has always been one of the most powerful ways South Africans make sense of who we are, celebrate where we come from, and imagine what’s possible.
How are young and emerging South African musicians involved in this tour?
Young and emerging South African musicians play a central role in the Voices of Home tour. The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra actively nurtures talent through its Fellows and Cadets programmes, giving early-career musicians hands-on experience performing alongside seasoned professionals. Our interns also gain invaluable exposure to the inner workings of a national orchestra, from rehearsal to production, ensuring the next generation of South African orchestral leaders is supported and empowered.
The Saturday Star is offering 7 lucky readers an opportunity to each win double tickets to the opening night of Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra Concert scheduled to take place at Linder Auditorium, Johannesburg. Each ticket is valued at R400, the show starts at 7.30pm. To stand a chance to win SMS "Orchestra" followed by your name, surname & email address to 33258. Terms and conditions apply, sms cost R1.50. Competition closes at midnight on Sunday.
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