Three musicians with strong ties to Gqeberha will share the stage with one of the world’s most celebrated violinists when the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra arrives in the Bay this December.
(IMAGE: Nicole Haynes- Business and Tour Manager- Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra)
Classical music lovers, this one is worth putting in the diary!
Gqeberha is getting a little taste of the international classical music scene when the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra brings its Mzansi Meets the World tour to the Feather Market Centre on Tuesday, 8 December 2026.
And while internationally acclaimed violin virtuoso Maxim Vengerov is undoubtedly a major drawcard, there’s another reason for locals to get excited.
Three talented musicians with strong connections to the Bay, David Bester, George Foster and Etienne Mecloen, will be part of the production, bringing a distinctly Eastern Cape flavour to an evening of world-class orchestral music.
A little local talent on a very big stage
For those familiar with Gqeberha’s classical music scene, David Bester needs little introduction.
The award-winning violinist, chamber musician and recording artist has performed with some of South Africa’s leading orchestras, including the Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Eastern Cape Philharmonic orchestras.
He is also the concertmaster and artistic director of the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and heads the strings discipline at Nelson Mandela University, where he plays an important role in nurturing the next generation of musicians.
Joining him is Etienne Mecloen, an experienced trombonist, educator and orchestral musician whose career has taken him into ensembles, musicals and productions across South Africa.
A principal trombonist with the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra, Mecloen has also been involved in youth music development and orchestral training, including work with Nelson Mandela University and the South African National Youth Orchestra Foundation.
Completing the local trio is Dr George Foster, an acclaimed South African tubist and senior lecturer in music at Nelson Mandela University.
Based in Gqeberha, Foster regularly performs with the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra and has built a reputation not only as an accomplished performer but also as a passionate educator dedicated to developing young brass musicians.
Together, the three are a reminder that some seriously impressive musical talent comes out of our corner of the country.
Bringing the world to the Bay
The Gqeberha concert forms part of the orchestra’s 2026 national tour, which will also visit Johannesburg on 3 December and Cape Town on 6 December.
International violin star Maxim Vengerov will perform as soloist, with conductor Joseph Young leading the orchestra through a programme featuring celebrated classical works alongside contemporary South African composition.
For Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, bringing the tour to Gqeberha is about much more than simply staging another concert.
“Bringing the Mzansi Philharmonic to Gqeberha is about more than presenting an exceptional concert. It is about connecting audiences in the Eastern Cape with outstanding South African and international musicians, while recognising the remarkable talent that calls this region home.”
He adds that the orchestra wants audiences to experience the power of orchestral music while recognising the South African musicians who help bring these performances to life.
And with the historic Feather Market Centre providing the setting, it promises to be a special evening for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and anyone curious to experience a live orchestra.
Here’s what you need to know
Event: Mzansi Meets the World – Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra
Date: Tuesday, 8 December 2026
Time: 18:30
Venue: Feather Market Centre, Gqeberha
Featuring: Maxim Vengerov, conducted by Joseph Young, alongside musicians from the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tickets: Available through Quicket.
Whether you’re a lifelong classical music fan or simply looking for something a little different to enjoy in the Bay this December, this is a chance to see international musical excellence alongside some of Gqeberha’s very own talent.
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