Following the tremendous success of its inaugural national tour in 2022, the highly anticipated second national tour of the internationally acclaimed Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is set to take place during Women’s Month, from Thursday, 10 August to Monday, 14 August 2023. Globally renowned conductor, Marin Alsop, the first woman to conduct major orchestras in the United States, United Kingdom, South America, and Austria, will take the helm of the tour, accompanied by the talented soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha.
Rangwanasha, an award-winning soprano hailing from Limpopo, is the current BBC Radio 3 New Generation artist, winner of the Cardiff Singer of the World competition, and Daily Maverick’s Artist of the Year runner-up for 2022.
Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, expressed delight about Alsop’s return and highlighted the exceptional talent and warm personality of soloist Rangwanasha.
“Our audiences will be delighted to hear that Marin Alsop will return for this year’s tour, following her sensational appearances last year. We are thrilled that the highly accomplished South African dramatic soprano, Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, will be our soloist for 2023. Cecilia has a special talent coupled with a warm heart and personality,” says Tembe.
The orchestra is scheduled to perform in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Gqeberha.
The repertoire for all three locations will feature a first half comprising exquisite and dramatic operatic arias, followed by a powerful rendition of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5.
Alsop is excited to be returning to South Africa, a country rich in culture and heritage.
“It is a joy to work with musicians who are committed to excellence and to perform for enthusiastic audiences from diverse backgrounds. This is a country which demonstrates music’s unique power to bring people together, and I love the way Mzansi Philharmonic embodies this quality,” she says.
Established in 2022 as part of the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture’s initiative to broaden the symphonic experience, reform the orchestral industry, and promote South Africa worldwide, the Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra consists of up to 110 non-permanent players from regional orchestras, institutions, and freelance musicians.
“We are excited to celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa with this national tour. The Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra is rapidly earning a reputation for its diversity on every level,” says Justice Leona Theron, Chairperson of Mzansi Philharmonic.
Theron says the orchestra is committed to diversity and its programmes feature artists and musicians who represent the rainbow nation, demonstrating music’s ability to bring people together across gender, age, race, and class.c
The Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra will premiere its repertoire to the public in Johannesburg on Thursday, 10 August at 7:30 pm at the Linder Auditorium.
Tickets for the performance can be purchased through Quicket by calling 021 424 9308 or visiting sales@quicket.co.za / support@quicket.co.za.
Written by Mosa Khunou
04/07/2023