In 2021, the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra (Mzansi Philharmonic) was properly constituted as a non-profit company (Section 30) with a distinguished Board of Directors. In July 2022, after many months of preparation, engagement with national and international partners, and the establishment of necessary business plans and protocols, South Africa’s first national orchestra in the democratic era was officially launched by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
As articulated in the Revised White Paper, which was approved by cabinet in August 2018 and endorsed by parliament in February 2020, “…harnessing the arts, culture and heritage for creative expression, education and training, job creation, and the eradication of poverty through close cooperation with all the levels of government and related departments, as well as the international community, is an essential aspect of the transformation process.”
“MOVING INTO THE FUTURE, WE ARE RESOLVED TO ENSURE THAT THE ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE, CONTRIBUTE TO CHANGE AND THE CREATION OF A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL.” BY BONGANI TEMBE
ARCO is proud to receive financial support from MNPO and to
have been able to provide some of its wonderful string players for the Africa United Orchestra that performed at Carnegie Hall in 2024.