Cape Philharmonic Orchestra

The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) is an orchestra in Cape Town.

The CPO is a financially and culturally sustainable, multi-functional orchestra delivering a world-class musical experience to all communities of the Western Cape. Apart from traditional symphony concerts presented in the historic City Hall, it also performs at the Artscape with Cape Town Opera and Cape Town City Ballet.

History

The first Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (1993-1997)

In 1993, The CAPAB Orchestra was renamed the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO).

The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (1997-2000)

The CPO merged with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra (CTSO) in 1997, becoming the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CTPO). The CTPO closed in 2000.

The second Cape Philharmonic Orchestra) (2001-present)

A new orchestra was formed in 2001, under the title of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO). The orchestra is currently known by the previous name of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra but uses the CPO acronym.

Community Outreach Programme

The orchestra runs a community outreach programme that includes two youth orchestras, the Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (CPYO) and the Cape Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble (CPYWE), as well as the Masidlale Project, a grassroots classical music training academy in the townships. The CPYO and CPYWE were launched in 2004 and aim to transfer skills and create jobs. The CPO believes music bridges the gap between diverse cultures.

Sources

'Cape Philharmonic Orchestra'. Music in Africa. https://www.musicinafrica.net/directory/cape-philharmonic-orchestra

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