Yesterday morning, I had the absolute privilege of sitting in the serene surroundings of the Sanctuary Mandela in Houghton for the official launch of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra’s landmark 2026 National Tour, titled Mzansi Meets the World.
This year marks a major milestone: the Orchestra’s 5th Anniversary Concert Tour. Set to take place this December across Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Gqeberha, the upcoming performances will bring together world-class international virtuosos alongside South Africa’s finest orchestral talent.
Reflecting on the journey, Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Mzansi Philharmonic, shared:
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.
A World-Class Lineup:
Headline news for classical music lovers: the 2026 tour features one of the greatest violinists of all time, Maxim Vengerov, performing alongside Mzansi Philharmonic under the baton of acclaimed American conductor Joseph Young.
The programmed repertoire is breathtaking, featuring:
Brahms’ Violin Concerto
Saint-Sans’ Symphony No. 3 (Organ Symphony)
A brand-new South African composition, commissioned specifically for this milestone 5th-anniversary celebration.
Beyond the concert stage, Maxim Vengerov will also host a masterclass for South Africa’s gifted young string players a rare, transformational opportunity for local talent.
It is an honour to join the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra for this landmark 5th Anniversary tour, Vengerov noted. 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.
Bridging Heritage and the Global Stage:
Joseph Young, celebrated globally for his dynamic interpretations and dedication to expanding orchestral repertoire, returns to South Africa to conduct the full tour.
Leading the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra for this landmark National Tour is a privilege, said Young. 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-South Africans 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.
Five Years of Impact:
Since its inception, the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra has championed artistic excellence while creating international pathways for local talent. Mzansi Meets the World captures that mission completely fusing globally celebrated icon talent with the country’s best instrumentalists while nurturing the next generation. As the Orchestra marks five years of transformative growth, this December tour stands as both a celebration of how far they’ve come and a bold statement of where South African classical music is headed next.
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