Mzansi meets the world: Mzansi Philharmonic with Maxim Vengerov on tour in South Africa.

On image: Grammy award winning violinist, Maxim Vengerov.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — Classical music takes centre stage this December as the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra embarks on its landmark 2026 National Tour, “Mzansi Meets the World,” bringing together some of the world’s finest musical talent with South Africa’s leading orchestral musicians.

The tour marks the Orchestra’s 5th Anniversary Concert Tour and will travel to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Gqeberha, offering audiences an opportunity to experience an exceptional programme featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Maxim Vengerov and celebrated American conductor Joseph Young.

For Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Mzansi Philharmonic, the milestone is about more than celebrating five years of the Orchestra.

“Five years ago, we began a remarkable journey - to build an orchestra that belongs to all South Africans, and to share the extraordinary power of music to transform lives and bring South Africans together,” Tembe says.

CONCERT SCHEDULE & VENUES

City	Venue	Date & Time
Johannesburg	Linder Auditorium	Thursday, 3 December 2026, 19:30
Cape Town	Cape Town City Hall	Sunday, 6 December 2026, 18:00
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)	Feather Market Centre	Tuesday, 8 December 2026, 18:30

At the heart of this year’s programme is Vengerov, widely regarded as one of the world’s finest violinists. The Grammy Award-winning musician will perform Brahms’ Violin Concerto, one of the defining works of the violin repertoire, alongside the Mzansi Philharmonic under Young’s direction.

The programme will also feature Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3, commonly known as the “Organ Symphony,” as well as a new South African composition commissioned specifically for the Orchestra’s fifth-anniversary celebrations.

For Vengerov, the opportunity to perform alongside South African musicians while engaging with the country’s emerging talent makes the tour particularly meaningful.

Mzansi meets the world: Mzansi Philharmonic with Maxim Vengerov on tour in South Africa.

“South Africa possesses an incredible depth of musical spirit and talent,” he says, describing the combination of performing Brahms’ monumental concerto and working directly with young local string players as what makes the project especially significant.

That commitment to developing young talent will extend beyond the concert stage. As part of the tour, Vengerov will conduct a masterclass for gifted young South African string players, creating an opportunity for aspiring musicians to learn directly from one of the most celebrated performers and teachers in the classical music world.

Young, who has built an international reputation for his dynamic interpretations and innovative approach to orchestral music, returns to South Africa to conduct the complete tour programme.

He says the programme has been designed to celebrate both the country's musical heritage and its growing presence on the international classical stage.

“From the lush colours of the new South African work to the grand scale of Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony, we have designed a breathtaking programme that celebrates both South Africa’s rich heritage and its vibrant place on the global classical stage,” Young says.

The tour reflects the broader vision of Mzansi Philharmonic, which was established to use orchestral music as a vehicle for artistic excellence, inclusion and nation-building. Since its founding, the Orchestra has sought to broaden access to orchestral music while creating opportunities for South African musicians to connect with international artists and platforms.

Mzansi Meets the World therefore represents both a celebration and a statement of intent — recognising how far the Orchestra has come while looking towards an even more ambitious future for South African orchestral music.

For audiences, the tour promises an evening where South African musical excellence meets global artistry, with performances taking place at some of the country’s notable concert venues.

The Johannesburg performance will take place at Linder Auditorium on Thursday, 3 December at 19:30, followed by Cape Town City Hall on Sunday, 6 December at 18:00. The tour concludes in Gqeberha at the Feather Market Centre on Tuesday, 8 December at 18:30.

Tickets range from R200 to R1,000, with bookings available exclusively online through Quicket.

As Mzansi Philharmonic celebrates five years of growth and impact, this national tour offers audiences more than a celebration of classical music. It is an invitation to witness South African musicians sharing the stage with global virtuosos and to experience music as a powerful bridge between South Africa and the world.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES, ACCREDITATION & INTERVIEW REQUESTS

For press accreditation, interview booking availability, high-resolution imagery, or further information, please contact:

Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra Communications

Email: pr@mzansiphilharmonic.org.za

Website: mzansiphilharmonic.org.za