Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO)

Formed by a group of committed, resilient musicians, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) was established in May 2000 following the demise of the National Symphony Orchestra. The JPO's commitment to consistently high standards of performance, as well as music education and development, was rewarded when the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund provided a substantial funding boost over three years, starting in 2009. The JPO strives to be nationally and internationally recognised as South Africa's leading philharmonic orchestra, performing music that incorporates the greatest accomplishments of classical and South African music genres.

With a vision to offer 'world-class music for a world-class city', the JPO seeks to ensure the ongoing sustainability and growth of music traditions through nurturing accessibility to the broad community. The JPO aims to perform consistently at an international level of musical excellence, and to challenge the prevailing perception of classical music performances being elitist and Euro-centric, and appeal rather to a truly egalitarian local audience.