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Concerts News

The RSO Announces Their 2026 Gala Concert

 

Poster, RSO Gala Concert, 20261115

Ruper Music Foundation's LogoThe Rand Symphony Orchestra, with the generous support of The Rupert Music Foundation, invites our audience to an afternoon of orchestral music during our Gala Concert, taking place on Sunday, 15 November 2026 at 15:00 at the  Roodepoort Theatre.

Musical Director and Conductor of the Rand Symphony Orchestra, Carl Henn
Musical Director and Conductor of the Rand Symphony Orchestra, Carl Henn

Conducted by Carel Henn and performed by members of the Rand Symphony Orchestra, the concert features a thrilling programme which includes three of the great composers of the orchestral repertoire: Verdi, Sibelius and Beethoven.

The programme opens with Verdi’s La Forza del Destino Overture, a dramatic and energetic work filled with sweeping melodies and the unmistakable theatrical flair of the Italian composer.

Carli D'Alebout, Soloist with the Rand Symphony Orchestra, 15 November 2026, Playing Sibelius' Violin Concerto in D Minor, Opus 47
Carli D’Alebout, Soloist with the Rand Symphony Orchestra, playing Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D Minor, Opus 47

The spotlight then turns to violin soloist Carli D’Alebout, who joins the orchestra for Sibelius’ Violin Concerto. Renowned for its technical demands, emotional intensity and distinctive orchestral sound, the concerto provides a spectacular showcase for both soloist and orchestra.

Sketch of Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven

The programme concludes with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, one of the composer’s most celebrated symphonies. Driven by powerful rhythms, energy and momentum, the work promises a dynamic and exhilarating finale to the Gala Concert.

Whether you are a lifelong classical music enthusiast or discovering the orchestral repertoire for the first time, the Rand Symphony Orchestra Gala Concert offers an opportunity to experience three iconic works performed live in the magnificent setting of Roodepoort Theatre.

The RSO extends its sincere appreciation to the Rupert Music Foundation for its sponsorship and support.

Tickets, at R200 for Adults, R180 for Pensioners and R150 for Students (over 12), are available from Webtickets.

Programme
Verdi – La Forza del Destino Overture
Sibelius – Violin Concerto
Soloist: Carli D’Alebout
Beethoven – Symphony No. 7

Conducted by Carel Henn
Performed by members of the Rand Symphony Orchestra

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News Past concert information

Thank You for Enjoying our Spring Picnic Concert

A HUGE ‘Thank You!’ to all the friends of the Rand Symphony Orchestra for braving the weather and joining us in the Domus Dei Church Hall for our Annual Spring Picnic Concert on Sunday 6 September 2026!

Audience waiting for a concert to start
Our Wonderful Audience, waiting for the Annual Spring Picnic Concert to start…

Although it rained heavily on the soggy lawns outside, it certainly didn’t rain on our parade! We loved seeing people set up their picnics in the hall, complete with bubbly and cheese boards, while listening to our programme. It was a really festive atmosphere!

Well done, too, to our young soloists, Boitumelo Phaho …

Young girl playing a French horn
Boitumelo Phaho playing the Strauss Horn Concerto (1st Movt), with Andrew Pallett conducting the Rand Symphony Orchestra

… and Ulrich Snyman for their wonderful performances!

Ulrich Snyman singing for the audience, with Carel Henn conducting the Rand Symphony Orchestra
Ulrich Snyman singing for the audience, with Carel Henn conducting the Rand Symphony Orchestra

Another HUGE ‘Thank You!‘ to all the members of the Ochestra for  practising and rehearsing for many weeks to make this concert the successful and fun event it was.

We, the Members of the Rand Symphony Orchestra, thank our Resident Conductor, Carel Henn, our Assistant Conductor, Andrew Pallett and our young Guest Conductor, Gerhard du Preez, for their hard work in guiding us through the season!

Please watch this space for our Upcoming Concert Gala Concert:
15 November 2026 Roodepoort Theatre Gala Concert

 

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News

Sponsor a Chair Initiative!

 

Carel Henn, communicating with the RSO
Carel Henn and Rand Symphony Orchestra Members, in rehearsal.

While rehearsing for our next two performances – a Variety Concert in Sasolburg at the Etienne Rossouw Theatre on 23rd August and our Picnic Concert at the Domus Dei Randburg Suid Church Grounds on 6th September – the Rand Symphony Orchestra is trialling a new initiative to offset some of the expenses of presenting concerts. As you are probably aware, concerts cost a large amount to put on: buying or renting music, venue hire, Conductor’s fees, Soloists’ fees and Concert Master’s fees. As we are a voluntary organisation we rely heavily on donations and membership fees.

We are inviting our supporters to sponsor a ‘chair’ in the orchestra for R1500 per concert. This would be a once-off donation. The money would go towards paying any extra players needed for the concert. Your name or business name would appear in our programme, highlighting to which position you have contributed.

If you are feeling very generous, we are also looking for sponsors for our professional soloists who perform with us. Here donations would need to be between R5000 and R10 000.

If a ‘chair’ sponsorship is too large an amount, rest assured no donation is too small. If you would like to support us in any way please email chair@randsymphony.co.za for queries regarding donations and sponsorships.

The Rand Symphony Orchestra has PBO Status with SARS and is able to issue 18A Tax Certificates to donors above a certain threshold
Upcoming Performances:
23 August 2026 Ettienne Roussouw Theatre, Sasolburg Variety Concert
6 September 2026 Domus Dei Church Lawns, Macolm or Jean Roads, Blairgowrie Picnic Concert (Variety)
15 November 2026 Roodepoort Theatre Gala Concert