The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) was formed in May 2000 by a group of committed and resilient musicians following the demise of the National Symphony Orchestra. It has continued to consistently perform regular series of Symphony Seasons, attracting the best international and local soloists and conductors, as well as being the orchestra of choice for State functions in Gauteng.
There is a sincere commitment to consistent high standards of performance, with the aim of not only delivering quality performances to audiences, but also establishing the bench mark for aspirant musicians, not only those who are tutored through the JPO’s own educational arm (the Academy) but to those who perform in the many youth orchestras and ensembles around Gauteng and elsewhere.
The JPO strives to be nationally and internationally recognized as the country’s leading philharmonic orchestra, and to ensure the ongoing sustainability and growth of music traditions, nurturing the accessibility of music to a broader community.
It also endeavors to challenge the prevailing perception of classical music performances being elitist and Euro-centric by appealing to a truly egalitarian local audience, performing music that incorporates the greatest examples of both classical and South African music genres.
