The Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town
The Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town is proud to announce two major upcoming performances that celebrate their versatility.
This season, the choir will take audiences on a journey from the majestic, organ-centred works of 19th-century France to the timeless, soaring choruses of George Frideric Handel’s most famous oratorio.
The King and the Chorus: The Widor Mass and other works for Choir and Organ
The season opens with a tribute to “The King of Instruments.” Under the baton of conductor Richard Haigh, the choir presents a program anchored by Charles-Marie Widor’s monumental Messe à deux chœurs et deux orgues (Mass for two choirs and organ).
Widor, legendary organist of Saint-Sulpice in Paris, designed this work to fill massive cathedral spaces with a lush, orchestral sound. The program will also feature a selection of sacred works specifically curated to highlight the profound relationship between the human voice and the pipe organ.
The choir are joined for this performance by the gentlemen of the St Mary’s Cathedral Choir, with Kevin Kraak on the organ.
This performance is a once off, on 15 March 2026 at 15:00 at the Groote Kerk.
Tickets are available on Quicket.
Handel’s Messiah
Continuing a cherished annual tradition, the Philharmonia Choir will once again perform Handel’s Messiah. This year, the choir is delighted to welcome back the esteemed Richard Cock to the podium.
As one of South Africa’s most iconic musical figures, Cock brings a unique energy and depth to this masterpiece. From the intimacy of the solo arias to the thunderous “Hallelujah Chorus,” this performance remains a cornerstone of the Cape Town cultural calendar, offering a moment of reflection and celebration for all.
Our soloists for Messiah 2026 are Brittany Smith (soprano), Minette du Toit- Pearce (alto), Jason Atherton (tenor) and Conroy Scott (bass), and the choir is joined by the Philharmonia Chamber Orchestra.
As is tradition, the Messiah will be performed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the 3 and 5 of April, at 19:30 at Cape Town City Hall.
Tickets are available on Quicket.
More Concert Dates to Diarise
From organ music in the Groote Kerk, to Handel’s magnum opus in the City Hall, to the sounds of Broadway and beyond – keep an eye on our social media and join our mailing list to hear more about our future concerts!
Broadway Classics
12 June 2026 | 19:30
13 June 2026 | 15:30
Cape Town City Hall
Lobgesang & Psalm 42 | Mendelssohn
24 October 2026 | 19:30
Cape Town City Hall
A Philharmonia Christmas
11 & 12 December 2026 | 19:30
13 December 2026 | 15:00
Cape Town City Hall
About the Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town
The Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town is one of the city’s most established choral ensembles. Comprising dedicated singers from across the peninsula, the choir is committed to performing large-scale choral works to the highest standard, enriching the Western Cape’s vibrant arts scene through a diverse repertoire and a passion for excellence.
Karen Jeynes
communications@philharmoniachoir.capetown
083 946 8526
Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town
http://www.philharmoniachoir.capetown/
