Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra
| Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) | |
|---|---|
| Orchestra | |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Website |
www |
The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) is Johannesburg's only Philharmonic Orchestra, presenting 60 symphony concerts at the Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg, and at the ZK Matthews Hall, UNISA, Pretoria South Africa. It also accompanies the SA Ballet Theatre and Opera Africa in their productions.
Past achievements and activities
During 2000, the JPO utilised its own scant financial resources to present 15 concerts that included three overseas guest conductors as well as world-renowned overseas artists.
Since its inception, the JPO has presented four symphony seasons every year of symphonic music, mostly with the assistance of corporate sponsorship and individual donations and ticket sales.
In 2004, the JPO released an internationally acclaimed, world-premiere recording of the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Violin Concerto.
The JPO commissioned and, in March 2004, performed the world-premiere of 'A Mandela Portrait' in recognition of the 10 years of democracy in South Africa. The work was then recorded and broadcast on 1 December 2004 - World Aids Day - on SABC 2.
In addition to its symphony concerts, the JPO has performed:
'Queen: the Concert' 'The Joburg Pops' 'La Traviata' and 'La Bohème' for Opera Africa 'Carmina Burana' for the German Government's celebration of 10 years of democracy Fauré's 'Requiem' for RAU. In 2007, the JPO became a full-time orchestra with permanent musicians on yearly contracts. 2009 saw the JPO perform for the Inauguration of President Zuma at the Union Buildings In 2009, the JPO was awarded funding for a three-year period by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund. In 2009 the JPO provided the recordings for the opening and closing ceremonies for the FIFA Confederations Cup In 2010 the JPO was asked once again to record for the FIFA World Cup opening and Closing ceremonies In 2010, the JPO celebrated its 10th birthday. Reaching this significant milestone was made possible by a small band of dedicated men and women who are passionate about seeing classical music not only survive, but thrive, in Gauteng.
History
The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra was formed in 2000 by members of the disbanded National Symphony Orchestra.[1] From 2000 until 2012 it presented four seasons of concerts per year. At the end of 2012 the JPO reached another financial crisis which almost ended in liquidation. In 2013 the orchestra made a number of organizational changes and managed to present two seasons. The orchestra currently has a large amount of debt but has measures in place securing its survival going forward.[1] Commercial recordings include the first recording of the Violin Concerto by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.[2]
References
- 1 2 "About the JPO". Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
- ↑ Andrew Achenbach (July 2004). "Coleridge-Taylor: Violin Concerto". Gramophone: 44. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
External links
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