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Not every initiative survives its first five years, but the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra (MNPO) did more than just survive. The orchestra is currently gearing up for its national tour in celebration of its fifth-year anniversary.
Since being founded in 2021, the orchestra has delivered a host of successful tours, conducted community development programmes, supported developing local music departments across various universities and achieved several other milestones.
Five years of proud moments
It is hardly surprising that the orchestra has achieved so much in such a short time, considering that their first concert, just a year into MNPO’s existence, took place at Wits University for the institution’s 100th anniversary.
At the national tour announcement event recently held at Sanctuary Mandela, MNPO’s chief executive and artistic director Bongani Tembe shared a heartwarming memory of the orchestra’s concert that took place in the Cape Flats.
In collaboration with local community choirs and musicians, the MNPO took orchestral music directly to the people, giving them access to this art form.
“I don’t think you can listen to a radio for an hour without hearing some kind of orchestral music or advert. It’s important to dispel this notion that an orchestra only plays Western classical music and can only play Mozart and Beethoven,” Tembe said.
As part of the Rhythms of Hope national tour in 2024, which was deeply rooted in community engagement, the orchestra delivered an interactive experience to students at the Athlone School for the Blind.
“If you look at the youth orchestras, there’s a high number of young people who are interested in this type of music,” said Tembe.
The MNPO has heeded the call of the youth, supporting music departments across 11 South African universities including the Tshwane University of Technology, University of Venda, Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes and other institutions. So far, the total funding to these universities sits at R3 million.
Unpacking the national tour
The three-city tour Mzansi Meets the World will take place in Johannesburg on 3 December, Cape Town on 6 December and wrap up in Gqeberha on 8 December.
The tour features Russian-born Maxim Vengerov, who is recognised across the world as one of the greatest violinists of all time, under the baton of acclaimed American conductor Joseph Young.
“South Africa possesses an incredible depth of musical spirit and talent. Performing the monumental Brahms’s 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,” Vengerov said.
Young said it was a privilege to lead the MNPO’s 5th year celebration, describing the orchestra’s energy and artistry as exceptional.
Tembe who holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music, both from the prestigious Juilliard School in New York only proud of the MNPO’s achievements but also expresses excitement about how orchestral music has evolved over the years.
“People are now viewing orchestras slightly differently. Look at things like the Red Bull series and Classics on Turf. There are so many other products and properties that have emerged and are showcasing the flexibility and adaptability of an orchestra,” he expanded.
The MNPO has made its own contribution to this evolution with a live performance of the television soundtrack for MultiChoice's hit drama series, Shaka iLembe, in 2024.
- What: Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra concert Mzansi Meets the World
- Where: Linder Auditorium Wits University, Cape Town City Hall, Feather Market Centre
- When: 3 December (Johannesburg), 6 December (Cape Town), 8 December (Gqeberha)
- Cost: R200-R1000 on Quicket
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