MNPO’s 5th Annual Concert Tour to play Joburg, Cape Town and Gqeberha in December with superstar violinist Maxim Vengerov.

Mzansi Philharmonic with Maxim Vengerov on tour in South Africa

The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra has officially launched its landmark 2026 National Tour, “Mzansi Meets the World.” Marking a milestone, this year’s tour serves as the Orchestra’s 5th Anniversary Concert Tour, bringing together world-class international virtuosos and South Africa’s finest orchestral talent for performances in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Gqeberha this December.

“Five years ago, we began a remarkable journey — to build an orchestra that belongs to all South Africans, and to share the extraordinary power of music to transform lives and bring South Africans together,” said Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Mzansi Philharmonic.

The 2026 tour features one of the greatest violinists of all time, Maxim Vengerov, performing with Mzansi Philharmonic under the baton of acclaimed American conductor Joseph Young. The programme includes Brahms’ Violin Concerto, Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 (“Organ Symphony”) and a new South African composition commissioned especially for this milestone celebration. Alongside the performances, Maxim Vengerov will lead a masterclass for South Africa’s gifted young string players.

“It is an honour to join the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra for this landmark 5th Anniversary tour,” says Maxim Vengerov. “South Africa possesses an incredible depth of musical spirit and talent. Performing the monumental Brahms’ Violin Concerto with this outstanding orchestra, coupled with the opportunity to work directly with young local string players in a masterclass, makes Mzansi Meets the World a truly special project for me.”

Joseph Young, celebrated for his dynamic interpretations and commitment to expanding the orchestral repertoire, returns to South Africa to conduct the tour’s full programme. His collaboration with Mzansi Philharmonic underscores the Orchestra’s ongoing mission to bring internationally recognised talent into direct partnership with South African musicians.

“Leading the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra for this landmark National Tour is a privilege. The energy and artistry within this orchestra are exceptional. From the lush colours of the new South African work to the grand scale of Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony, we have designed a breathtaking programme that celebrates both South Africa’s rich heritage and its vibrant place on the global classical stage,” says Joseph Young.

Since its founding, the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra has been driven by a mission to use the power of music to unite people, promote artistic excellence, and create international pathways for South African talent. Mzansi Meets the World embodies that mission in full: bringing globally celebrated artists like Maxim Vengerov and Joseph Young to perform alongside the nation’s top musicians, while nurturing the next generation through youth masterclasses. As the Orchestra marks five years of growth and impact, the tour stands as both a celebration of its journey so far and a statement of its continued ambition to connect South Africa with the world through music.

CONCERT SCHEDULE & VENUES

City | Venue | Date and Time

Johannesburg | Linder Auditorium | Thursday, 3 December 2026, 19:30

Cape Town | Cape Town City Hall | Sunday, 6 December 2026, 18:00

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) | Feather Market Centre | Tuesday, 8 December 2026, 18:30

TICKET INFORMATION

• Official Ticket Platform: Bookings are open exclusively online via Quicket (www.quicket.co.za).

• Ticket Prices: R200 – R1000

MEDIA ENQUIRIES, ACCREDITATION & INTERVIEW REQUESTS

For press accreditation, interview booking availability, high-resolution imagery, or further information, please contact:

Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra Communications

E-mail: pr@mzansiphilharmonic.org.za

Website: https://mzansiphilharmonic.org.za

Note to readers: The profiles below are abridged. For the full texts, please visit https://mzansiphilharmonic.org.za

Launched in 2022, the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is South Africa’s first national orchestra in the democratic era. MNPO’s vital mandate includes broadening access to orchestral music across South Africa, while presenting flagship events that showcase the cream of South African classical musical talent. MNPO operates as a non-profit entity and is financed through a public-private partnership, which includes an annual grant from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) processed through the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC). The Orchestra is governed by a board chaired by Justice Leona Theron , which is composed of respected business leaders. The Orchestra’s management is led by Bongani Tembe (see profile below).

Maxim Vengerov is one of the most in-demand violin soloists today. For four decades, he has appeared to universal acclaim, performing the great violin repertoire with leading orchestras and fellow musicians across the globe, while amassing a magnificent discography with the world’s leading labels. Teaching young talent is among Maestro Vengerov’s greatest passions. He has held teaching positions at a host of leading international music schools, and in 2022 launched an online platform, maximvengerov.com, to democratise access to music learning, reaching over 190 million people across 170 countries.

American conductor Joseph Young has emerged as one of today’s most compelling orchestral leaders, celebrated for his vivid interpretations, and his skill in forging powerful connections through music. Young has made notable debuts with major orchestras, including the San Francisco, Seattle, National, New Jersey, Detroit and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestras. Internationally, he has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Orquesta Sinfónica de RTVE in Madrid. His operatic work includes leading acclaimed productions at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington National Opera, and Cincinnati Opera.

A Master’s graduate of the Juilliard School in New York, Bongani Tembe has been a strong advocate for the development of South African musicians and the transformation of the orchestral sector. Among his significant initiatives was the establishment of the KZN Philharmonic’s National Cadetship Programme for promising young South African musicians with professional orchestral training and a pathway into the industry. As Commissioner-General of the South Africa–France Seasons and South Africa–United Kingdom Seasons, he helped present thousands of South African artists internationally. His contribution to strengthening international cultural relations was recognised in 2016 when the French Government honoured him as an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters (Officier des Arts et des Lettres), one of France’s highest cultural distinctions. Bongani Tembe is, above all, an advocate for the power of music to unite people, develop talent and tell South Africa’s story to the world.

William Charlton-Perkins
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