Impressive line-up kicks off the JPO year

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off 2022 with a Valentine’s Gala Concert at Johannesburg’s Linder Auditorium this 12 February.

Hosting the prestigious season-opening event is Miss South Africa 2020, Shudufhadzo Musida.

‘Shudu’s advocacy campaign, built around bringing awareness to issues of mental health, and her work done to empower women and children has been admirable. We have asked her to introduce and describe the musical items.’

Bongani Tembe, JPO Chief Executive and Artistic Director

The gala concert will mark one of her appearances before competing in the Miss World pageant in Puerto Rico in March this year.

The concert includes acclaimed soprano, Zandile Mzazi, internationally recognised jazz saxophonist Karendra Devroop and principal flautist of the JPO, Khanyi Mthetwa, and will be conducted by Daniel Boico.

The programme features favourites by Strauss, Tchaikovsky and Debussy, as well as some smooth South African jazz sounds.  

Boico is described by critics as ‘dynamic, vigorous and imaginative’ and is a former assistant conductor at the New York Philharmonic. He has worked with orchestras across the United States, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. Under his baton, Mzazi – whose recognition includes awards for her operatic performances in Vienna, Germany and Italy – will enthral concert goers.

Saxophonist Devroop, who has performed at major international jazz festivals and Mthetwa, featured in the ‘200 Young South Africans’ list by both the Mail & Guardian and Sunday Times newspapers, is considered one of the leading virtuoso instrumentalists across the continent. 

Says Tembe: ‘We are delighted with the line-up and are looking forward to a year of excellent concerts.’ He also noted that current COVID-19 regulations require a reduced capacity audience, adding, ‘To ensure the safety of our patrons, we have to insist on proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test that is not older than 72 hours. We will do our best to accommodate everyone, but I must stress that early booking is advised.’