The Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town is delighted to announce its upcoming concert, Mendelssohn: A Choral Odyssey, taking place on Saturday, 24 October.

This extraordinary musical evening brings together landmark compositions by Felix Mendelssohn, performed by an ensemble of international talent under the baton of acclaimed German conductor Martin Berger. Joining the Philharmonia Choir on stage are two distinguished guest choirs: Stellenbosch University’s Schola Cantorum and the renowned Herrenstimmen der Essener Domsingknaben from Germany.

The programme features two of Mendelssohn’s most celebrated sacred choral creations: Lobgesang (Hymn of Praise) and Psalm 42 (Wie der Hirsch schreit).

Composed in 1840 to mark the 400th anniversary of Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press, Lobgesang is a majestic symphony-cantata that traces a journey from darkness into light. Opening with three instrumental movements before giving way to powerful choral and solo sections, the work celebrates human enlightenment, gratitude, and divine praise with grand orchestrations and uplifting choruses.

Complementing this grand work is Psalm 42 (Opus 42), composed in 1837. Setting text based on Psalm 42 (As the deer pants for streams of water), the piece captures deep emotional yearning, spiritual solace, and eventual hope. Robert Schumann famously praised Psalm 42 as the finest church music composition of its era, highlighting Mendelssohn’s unmatched ability to blend delicate lyrical solos with rich, complex contrapuntal writing.

Leading the performance is Dr Martin Berger, whose career as a conductor, scholar, and choir director spans top institutions across Europe and South Africa. Formerly the Director of Music (Domkapellmeister) at Würzburg Cathedral, Berger brings deep expertise in the European sacred tradition alongside a passion for vibrant collaborative performance.

The concert marks an exciting cultural partnership between local and international voices. Cape Town audiences will experience the combined depth and texture of the Philharmonia Choir, the vocal precision of Schola Cantorum, and the rich tradition of the Herrenstimmen der Essener Domsingknaben – the adult male voices of the famed Essen Cathedral Choir in Germany. Together, these ensembles form a grand festival choir capable of delivering the full scale, brilliance, and emotional intensity of Mendelssohn’s monumental scores.

Event Summary

Title: Mendelssohn: A Choral Odyssey

Works: Lobgesang (Op. 52) & Psalm 42 (Op. 42)

Date: Saturday, 24 October 2026

Time: 19:30

Venue: Cape Town City Hall, Darling Street, Cape Town

Conductor: Martin Berger

Featured Ensembles: The Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town, Schola Cantorum, and Herrenstimmen der Essener Domsingknaben

Ticketing Information Tickets are available for purchase online via Quicket at https://quicket.co.za. Early booking is advised.

Karen Jeynes
communications@philharmoniachoir.capetown
083 946 8526
Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town
http://www.philharmoniachoir.capetown/