The 2026 Summer Symphony Season offers another rich and diverse programme, featuring classics such as Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concertos, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, and Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique, alongside works by composers Britten, Fauré, Bessey, Rezníček, and Bartók.
Audiences can enjoy performances by internationally acclaimed soloists Bryan Cheng, Ludmil Angelov, Zanta Hofmeyr, Siphokazi "Nonzwakazi" Maphumulo, and Emanuil Ivanov – all brought to life under the expert batons of conductors Yasuo Shinozaki, Conrad van Alphen, and Daniel Boico.
Whether you're a seasoned symphony-goer or a curious newcomer, this series offers an inspiring summer into the world of orchestral magic.
The line-up:
THU, FEB 26, 2026The orchestra returns to the Linder Auditorium under the baton of Japanese conductor Yasuo Shinozaki for a richly textured evening that places the cello centre stage. Internationally acclaimed cellist Bryan Cheng takes on not one but two Saint-Saëns concertos. Britten’s spirited Simple Symphony adds wit and youthful charm, before the programme culminates in Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, New World, a sweeping, soul-stirring journey that remains one of the most beloved symphonies in the repertoire.
Programme: Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 119; Britten Simple Symphony, Op. 4; Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33; Dvořák Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, New World.
THU, MAR 5, 2026
Conductor Conrad van Alphen takes to the podium for the second evening, joined by internationally celebrated pianist Ludmil Angelov, renowned for his poetic sensitivity and masterful command of the Romantic repertoire. The programme opens with the refined charm of Fauré’s Masques et bergamasques, before Angelov brings both sparkle and sophistication to two brilliant works by Chopin, the playful variations on La ci darem la mano and the dazzling Grande polonaise brillante. The evening culminates in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D major, a buoyant and spirited work.
Programme: Fauré Masques et bergamasques, Op. 112; Chopin variations on La ci darem la mano, Op. 2; Chopin Grande polonaise brillante, Op. 22; Beethoven Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36.
THU, MAR 12, 2026
Conductor Daniel Boico takes the helm for the third concert of the season, joined by esteemed violinist Zanta Hofmeyr for Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64. The evening opens with the atmospheric sweep of Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture (Fingal’s Cave), before culminating in Bessey’s powerful The Rise of the Hunter, featuring soprano Siphokazi "Nonzwakazi" Maphumulo and the Gauteng Choristers for a dramatic choral finale.
Programme: Mendelssohn Hebrides Overture (Fingal’s Cave); Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64; Bessey The Rise of the Hunter.
THU, MAR 19, 2026
For the final concert of the season, acclaimed Dutch conductor Conrad van Alphen returns, opening with Rezníček’s sparkling Donna Diana Overture. Pianist Emanuil Ivanov brings clarity and vitality to Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3, before the evening closes with Tchaikovsky’s deeply moving Symphony No. 6, Pathétique.
Programme: Rezníček Donna Diana Overture; Bartók Piano Concerto No. 3; Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, Pathétique.
Single tickets for performances are available online from R190 p.p. For season tickets, which we highly recommend, call +27 11 484 0446 or email info@jpo.co.za.
