The Winter Symphony Season promises another rich and varied programme, featuring beloved classics like Grieg’s Piano Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s Winter Dreams, and Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, alongside works by other classical greats such as Schubert, Dvořák, Debussy, and Mozart. Audiences can look forward to performances by top-tier guest soloists, including Aleksandra Świgut, Andrey Gugnin, Andrey Baranov, and the JPO’s own stars Khanyisile Mthethwa and Gaylen Sales – all under the batons of conductors Koji Kawamoto, Conrad van Alphen, and Daniel Boico.
Whether you're a seasoned symphony-goer or a curious newcomer, this series offers an inspiring winter escape into the world of orchestral magic.
The lineup:
Thu, Jun 5
The season opens under the baton of Japanese conductor Koji Kawamoto with a stirring programme that blends drama, lyricism, and wintry romance. Acclaimed Polish pianist Aleksandra Świgut takes on Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, a perennial favourite bursting with Nordic charm and virtuosic flair. The evening also features the lively May Night Overture by Rimsky-Korsakov, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1 Winter Dreams.
Programme: Rimsky-Korsakov's May Night Overture, Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16, Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Op. 13 Winter Dreams.
Conductor Koji Kawamoto returns to the podium for the second concert of the season, joined by internationally acclaimed pianist Andrey Gugnin, known for his electrifying performances and technical brilliance. The evening opens with Qinisela Sibisi's Heritage Overture, a vibrant local composition that sets the tone for a proudly South African moment. Gugnin then takes on Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1, a youthful yet fiery work filled with passion and lyricism.
Programme: Qinisela Sibisi Heritage Overture, Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Op. 1, Dvořák Symphony No. 5 in F Major, Op. 76.
Thu, Jun 19
Dutch conductor Conrad van Alphen takes the helm for the third concert of the season, joined by acclaimed violinist Andrey Baranov for Lalo’s fiery Symphonie Espagnole. The concert opens with Debussy’s rarely heard Symphony in B minor and closes with Beethoven’s beloved Pastoral Symphony, a tribute to nature and countryside serenity.
Programme: Debussy’s Symphony in B minor, Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral”.
Thu, Jun 26
For the final concert of the season, acclaimed conductor Daniel Boico leads a luminous programme featuring JPO’s own Khanyisile Mthethwa (flute) and Gaylen Sales (harp) in Mozart’s delightful Concerto for Flute and Harp. The evening opens with Rossini’s effervescent La Scala di Seta Overture and closes with Schubert’s youthful and energetic Symphony No. 1.
Programme: Rossini’s La Scala di Seta Overture, Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp, and Schubert’s Symphony No. 1.
Note: Programme subject to change
Single tickets for performances are available here from R180 p.p. For season tickets, which we highly recommend, contact +27 11 484 0446 or email info@jpo.co.za.
