Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra’s ‘Voices of Home’ tour celebrates South African excellence and global collaboration
The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra (MNPO) is set to close out 2025 on a resounding high note with its most ambitious national tour yet — Voices of Home — a stirring musical journey that honours South Africa’s cultural identity while embracing international artistry.
From 10–16 December, audiences in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town will witness a powerful collaboration featuring internationally acclaimed conductor Marin Alsop, South African cello sensation Abel Selaocoe, and master percussionist Bernhard Schimpelsberger. Together, they promise to deliver an extraordinary symphonic experience that bridges continents while staying deeply rooted in the rhythms and spirit of home.
At the heart of the programme is the South African tour debut of Selaocoe’s Four Spirits Cello Concerto — a profoundly personal work that celebrates memory, joy, rhythm, resistance, and community — paired with Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2, one of classical music’s most emotionally charged masterpieces.
🎻 A Celebration of South Africa’s Rising Voice
“Voices of Home is not another concert tour. It is a national celebration to bring South Africans together. From historic echoes to contemporary creation, the tour is a tribute to the excellence of music, heritage, and the dynamic cultural momentum of South Africa,” said Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Mzansi Philharmonic.
Alsop, one of the most celebrated conductors of her generation, added: “I’m incredibly excited to join Mzansi Philharmonic for this meaningful and dynamic tour. Abel Selaocoe is one of the most original voices in classical music today. He is passionate, fearless, and deeply connected to home. This tour celebrates what is possible when tradition meets innovation.”
Reflecting on Four Spirits and his debut with Mzansi Philharmonic, Selaocoe shared: “Four Spirits was born from the stories and sounds that shaped me; memory, joy, rhythm, resistance, and celebration. To bring this work to audiences across South Africa with the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is a deep honour. It feels like bringing the music home.”
🌍 Redefining the Boundaries of Classical Music
The Voices of Home tour underscores Mzansi Philharmonic’s mission to broaden access to orchestral music across South Africa while celebrating the nation’s vibrant artistic identity. Through programmes like this, the orchestra continues to demonstrate that classical music can be both world-class and authentically South African.
As Tembe puts it, the orchestra’s work goes beyond the concert hall — it’s about nation-building through culture, echoing the shared vision of the Department of Arts and Culture.
With each performance, the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra strengthens its role as a cultural unifier — balancing international excellence with a deep sense of community and heritage.
💖 Spreading the Gift of Music
Beyond the main performances, Voices of Home will also include community upliftment activities, such as intimate hospital performances in each city — a heartfelt extension of Mzansi Philharmonic’s pledge to share the healing power of music with all South Africans.
By bringing orchestral music into everyday spaces, the orchestra ensures that the transformative joy of live performance reaches even those unable to attend formal concerts — a mission that resonates with the spirit of Ubuntu.
(Also read: A handy resource for parents struggling to connect with their kids in their home language)
Tour dates and venues
- Johannesburg – Linder Auditorium | 19:30 | 10 & 11 December
- Durban – Playhouse Opera Theatre | 15:00 | 13 December
- Cape Town – Cape Town City Hall | 18:00 | 16 December
🎟️ Tickets are available now via Quicket.
Why South Africans should watch It
This isn’t just a concert — it’s a musical homecoming that celebrates who we are as a nation. Whether you’re a classical aficionado or a newcomer, Voices of Home is your chance to experience how South Africa’s artistic voice continues to shape global stages.
Make it a December diary date. The music, the pride, and the spirit — all of it, unmistakably Mzansi.
