Gqeberha’s own orchestral talent joins international violin virtuoso Maxim Vengerov for Mzansi Philharmonic concert.

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Gqeberha, Eastern Cape - Classical music lovers in Gqeberha will have an opportunity to experience an exceptional evening of orchestral music when the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra brings its Mzansi Meets the World national tour to the Feather Market Centre on Tuesday, 8 December 2026. Adding a distinctly local connection to the performance are musicians David Bester, George Foster, and Etienne Mecloen, whose professional journeys are closely linked to the Eastern Cape’s musical landscape.

Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, says: “Bringing the Mzansi Philharmonic to Gqeberha is about more than presenting an exceptional concert. It is about connecting audiences in the Eastern Cape with outstanding South African and international musicians, while recognising the remarkable talent that calls this region home. We want audiences to experience the power of orchestral music and see themselves reflected in the people who help bring it to life.”

The Gqeberha performance forms part of the Orchestra’s 2026 national tour, which also visits Johannesburg on 3 December and Cape Town on 6 December. The tour features internationally acclaimed violinist Maxim Vengerov as soloist, with conductor Joseph Young leading the orchestra through a programme that brings together celebrated classical repertoire and contemporary South African composition.

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For local audiences, the participation of Bester offers a particularly meaningful connection. An award-winning violinist, chamber musician and recording artist, he has performed with several of South Africa’s leading orchestras, including Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Eastern Cape Philharmonic orchestras. He serves as concertmaster and artistic director of the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and heads the strings discipline at Nelson Mandela University, where he contributes to the development of emerging musicians and advances string education in the region.

Mecloen brings extensive experience as a professional musician, educator and orchestral leader. A principal trombonist with the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra, he has performed in numerous ensembles, orchestras, musicals and productions across South Africa. His work has also extended to youth music development and orchestral training, including collaborations with Nelson Mandela University and the South African National Youth Orchestra Foundation. His connection to Gqeberha’s musical community adds another local dimension to the national production.

Acclaimed South African tubist and pedagogue Dr. George Foster is a senior lecturer in music at Nelson Mandela University and a prominent figure in the country’s orchestral landscape. Based in Gqeberha, he performs regularly with the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra and is widely respected as both a celebrated orchestral performer and a dedicated low-brass educator committed to youth skills development.

Together, their involvement illustrates the depth of musical expertise rooted in the Eastern Cape and the role local musicians play in South Africa’s broader orchestral landscape.

For Gqeberha audiences, the evening offers an opportunity to experience world-class orchestral performance while celebrating musicians whose professional and artistic roots connect directly to the region.

The concert takes place at the Feather Market Centre on Tuesday, 8 December 2026, at 18:30. Book tickets through Quicket.