The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) announces its Winter Symphony Season programme for 2024, with piano, oboe, and soprano soloists to look forward to. The four-week season is held at the Wits Linder Auditorium from 19:30 every Thu on May 30 – Jun 20.

Known for his energetic, kind, and communicative performance style, conductor Conrad van Alphen takes to the stage with Jan Bartoš for the season's opening night. Regarded as one of Europe's finest pianists, Bartoš has earned critical acclaim for his recordings of the music of Janáček, Mozart, Beethoven, and Novák.

For the second concert, Durban-born Fulbrighter Bronwen Forbay performs alongside Japan-born conductor Yasuo Shinozaki, recognised worldwide for his emotionally direct style of music making. Forbay's soprano has been described by Opera Magazine as "at once powerful, radiant, timbrally beautiful, and balanced throughout the range". 

Oboist James Austin Smith, pianist Ben Schoeman, and conductors Daniel Boico and Daniel Raiskin round out JPO's Winter Symphony Season for 2024, which promises a month of musical performers at the top of their game. Find the full line-up below. 

CONCERT 1: THU, MAY 30 
Pianist Jan Bartoš is accompanied by Conrad van Alphen as conductor, performing Bizet's L’Arlesienne: Suite No. 2, Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 40 in D Minor, and Elgar's Enigma Variations.

CONCERT 2: THU, JUN 6
Conductor Yasuo Shinozaki joins soprano Bronwen Forbay on stage for arias from Bizet’s Carmen, Faure’s Pavanne, Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur, and Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 3 closes the concert after an interval.

CONCERT 3: THU, JUN 13
Oboist James Austin Smith and conductor Daniel Boico pair up for Franck's Les Eolides, Strauss's Oboe Concerto, and Mozart's Symphony No. 41, K. 551 in C Major. 

CONCERT 4: THU, JUN 20
With conductor Daniel Raiskin, pianist Ben Schoeman takes to the stage to perform Andrée's Concert Overture in D Major, Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4, Op. 58 in G Major, and Grieg's Symphony in C Minor. 

Book your tickets for the JPO Winter Symphony Season 2024 here. Season ticket holders enjoy discounted rates; email info@jpo.co.za or rosie@jpo.co.za or phone 011 484 0446 to secure your seats.