JPO Early Spring Season 2026

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra presents its Early Spring concerts, bringing you enchanting and uplifting performances each Thursday evening from 13^th August – 3^rd September 2026.

In celebration of Women’s Month, the programme features conductors Barbara Dragan and Debora Waldman, as well as soloists Zlata Chochieva (piano), Lidia Baich (violin) and Xin Wang, who joins Florian Koltun for a memorable piano duet. Gareth Lubbe, our homegrown and internationally recognised soloist (viola), takes centre stage for the final concert, while popular conductor, Daniel Boico returns for two of the Early Spring concerts.

The Early Spring Season programme includes many favourites and is not to be missed.Some highlights includes Brahms’ concerto for piano, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, Mozarts Concerto for Two Pianos and Rachmnaninoff’s Youth Symphony, as well as Walton’s Concerto for viola, often referred to as a masterpiece.

Concert 1: 13 August 2026

Conductor Barbara Dragan

Soloist Zlata Chochieva, piano

Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings, Op. 4 in C Major

Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 83 in B-flat Major

Concert 2: 20 August 2026

Conductor Debora Waldman

Soloist Lidia Baich, violin

Mayer Faust Overture

Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 26 in g minor

Dvorák Symphony No. 7, Op. 70 in d minor

Concert 3: 27 August 2026

Conductor Daniel Boico

Soloists Xin Wang & Florian Koltun, piano duo

Rossini Barber of Seville Overture

Mozart Concerto for Two Pianos, K.365 in E-flat Major

Mozart Symphony No. 39, K.543 in E-flat Major

Concert 4: 3 September 2026

Conductor Daniel Boico

Soloist Gareth Lubbe, viola

Rachmaninoff Symphony in d minor, “Youth Symphony”

Walton Concerto for Viola

Franck Symphony in d minor

Season Tickets (i.e., all four concerts) are available through the JPO office on [email protected] / [email protected] or 011 484 0446. Season Ticket holders enjoy discounted rates, the convenience of booking your tickets through the JPO Office and a free programme at each concert

Wheelchair seating is available. Please call the JPO on 011 484 0446 or email [email protected] and we will assist with your booking.

Our popular Pre-Concert Talks take place each concert evening from 6:30 – 7:15pm in the Exam Room adjacent to the Linder Auditorium and are presented by Deano, from Classical Fix on SAfm. Entrance to the talks is free and all patrons are welcome!

Secure parking available.

The JPO has arranged that Ubers are allowed inside the campus on concert nights from 17h30 for drop-offs and pick-ups, in front of the Linder Auditorium.

Programmes are subject to change. No Under-5’s allowed

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