"The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra is arguably the most versatile and active orchestra on the continent of Africa and contributes handsomely in making Cape Town part of a global culture."

The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, South Africa's "orchestra for all seasons", is a financially and culturally sustainable, multi-functional orchestra delivering a world-class musical experience to all communities of the Western Cape. The CPO is one of only three full-time professional symphony orchestras in South Africa and continues a long and proud history of symphonic music since Cape Town's first symphony orchestra was formed in 1914.

Apart from traditional symphony concerts presented in the historic City Hall with its excellent acoustics for orchestral music, the CPO also performs at the Artscape Theatre Centre with Cape Town Opera and Cape Town City Ballet for their seasons. Further engagements include performing with prestigious visiting companies such as the St Petersburg Ballet, charity galas, lighter "symphonic pops" music for special occasions and collaboration with community musicians and choirs. These performances all add up to a staggering 160 performances a year. Some performances are given at other venues in Cape Town and the Western Cape such as the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch, the Baxter Theatre and often at schools in the Peninsula. Other venues include popular tourist destinations such as the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Vergelegen wine estate.

Part of a Global Culture

The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra is arguably the most versatile and active orchestra on the continent of Africa and contributes handsomely in making Cape Town part of a global culture. In this spirit the CPO presented the first Cape Town International Music Festival in November and December 2006. This festival has become an annual event, attracting first rate musicians from all over the world as well as providing opportunities to South Africa's foremost artists. With Cape Town being the prime tourist destination in South Africa, this also means that the orchestra makes an important contribution to the cultural component of the tourism product that the city offers to local and international visitors.