The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) started their 2023 performance programme on a high note with a sold-out Valentine’s Gala concert (and a brief surprise appearance from flautist Wouter Kellerman, who recently won his second Grammy award). Next on the line-up, and continuing with the tradition of the World Symphony Series, is their highly anticipated Summer Symphony Season programme.
From 23 February to 16 March, the JPO welcomes back accomplished international soloists and conductors, with debut performances by several distinguished artists.
As always, the concert series has been carefully designed to meet the needs of discerning music lovers. Look forward to piano concertos from Mendelssohn and Poulenc played by first-time JPO soloists Danae Dörken and the Schiavo-Marchegiani duo. Shannon Thebus treats us to Strauss’ French Horn Concerto No.1 and Rachel Lee Priday returns with White’s Concerto for Violin.
The Symphony Season kicks off with Brahms’ Tragic Overture in a concert led by prestigious Iranian conductor Hossein Pishkar. Following the first concert on 23 February, the orchestra will be joined by returning favourites Daniel Boico and Bernhard Gueller who will stand at the helm for the remainder of the season.
Concert 1: 23 February 2023
Conductor: Hossein Pishkar
Soloist: Danae Dörken, piano
Brahms: Tragic Overture, Op. 81
Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 25 in g minor
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4, Op. 36 in f minor
Concert 2: 2 March 2023
Conductor: Daniel Boico
Soloists: Schiavo-Marchegiani, piano duo
Bizet: Jeux d’enfants, Op. 22: Petite suite
Poulenc: Concerto for 2 Pianos in d minor
Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3, Op. 78 in c minor
Concert 3: 9 March 2023
Conductor: Bernhard Gueller
Soloist: Shannon Thebus, French horn
Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3
Strauss: French Horn Concerto No. 1, Op. 11, e-flat major
Brahms: Symphony No. 4, Op. 98 in e minor
Concert 4: 16 March 2023
Conductor: Daniel Boico
Soloist: Rachel Lee Priday, violin
Wagner: Siegfried Idyll, WWV 103
White: Concerto for Violin in f-sharp
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, Op. 67 in c minor
The Summer Season opens on Thursday 23 February and runs until 16 March, with concerts taking place every Thursday evening, at 19:30 at the Linder Auditorium.
Season Tickets can be booked through the JPO office on info@jpo.co.za or by phoning 011 484 0446. Seats for single concerts are available through Quicket.
