Johannesburg International Mozart Festival

Orchestra from Scratch is a joyful community project that brings together amateur musicians from across South Africa to play in a full symphony orchestra. Open to all ages and levels from Grade 3 and up, participants rehearse over one weekend under Maestra Sue Cøck and perform in concert — celebrating collaboration, learning, and the shared joy of music-making.​

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Experience the culmination of the Vocal Masterclass and Scholarship Scheme, where exceptional young South African singers, guided by Martin Hundelt and Maestro Richard Cøck, showcase a week of artistic growth in a final concert of arias and songs — celebrating emerging talent, collaboration, and the power of music.​​

Saturday 24 January 2026, 16:00 | St George’s Church

Franz Danksagmüller, a pioneer of contemporary organ music, blends centuries of tradition with modern technology in performances that fuse organ, electronics, improvisation, and visual media. From reimagined Baroque works to experimental soundscapes, he transforms the organ into a bridge between past and future.

​Sunday 25 January 2026, 15:00 | Linder Auditorium

Celebrate the New Year with The Phoenix Orchestra under Maestro Richard Cøck in a sparkling concert of Viennese waltzes, lively polkas, and beloved operetta arias - a festive evening of romance, elegance, and joy to welcome the year ahead.

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Tuesday 27 January 2026, 19:30 | St George’s Church

Renowned composer-organist Franz Danksagmüller creates a live, improvised soundtrack to a silent film, blending historic instruments with modern electronics. In this one-of-a-kind performance, music and image interact in real time — a thrilling fusion of cinematic history and contemporary creativity.

Thursday 29 January 2026, 18:30 | University Chapel

Franz Danksagmüller, a pioneer of contemporary organ music, traditional with modern in performances that fuse organ, electronics, improvisation, and visual media. From reimagined Baroque works to experimental soundscapes, he transforms the organ into a bridge between past and future. Under 18's FREE!!

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Saturday 31 January 2026, 19:30 | Villa Arcadia

Renowned kathak dancer Manesh Maharaj and vocalist Kerolin Govender present Wandering Minstrels - a captivating journey through the history of Indian classical music and dance, from temple courtyards to royal courts, celebrating tradition, creativity, and the unifying power of art.

Sunday 1 February 2026, 16:00 | Villa Arcadia

Experience an international ensemble of acclaimed woodwind artists performing at the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival. Featuring musicians from Belgium, Hungary, South Africa, and the US, the concert blends classical elegance and contemporary flair, celebrating the rich, unifying voice of the woodwinds.​

Tuesday 3 February 2026, 19:30 | Villa Arcadia

Experience the vibrant sound of South Africa’s Charl du Plessis Trio, an internationally acclaimed ensemble that fuses classical mastery with jazz vitality. Featuring pianist Charl du Plessis, bassist Werner Spies, and drummer Peter Auret, the trio delivers their signature interplay and improvisational flair. ​

Saturday 7 February 2026, 16:00 | Villa Arcadia

Join us for a recital with internationally acclaimed pianist Gustavo Romero, hailed for his virtuosity, expressive depth, and wide-ranging repertoire. A former child prodigy who has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Berlin Philharmonie, Romero is celebrated for his interpretations of Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and more, promising an evening of technical brilliance and profound musical insight.

Sunday 8 February 2026, 16:00 | Villa Arcadia

Join us for an afternoon with TAKE FOUR, South Africa’s all-female piano quartet, featuring Zanta Hofmeyr, Jeanne-Louise Moolman, Susan Mouton, and Elna van der Merwe. Renowned for their artistry and ensemble cohesion, they perform a programme blending classical masterpieces and contemporary works, promising an engaging and inspiring celebration of chamber music.

Sunday 22 February 2026, 15:00 | Linder Auditorium

Join us at the Linder Auditorium at 15:00 on Sunday the 22 of February for a live performance with the Symphony Choir of Johannesburg and the acclaimed Phoenix Orchestra, conducted by Sue Cøck, featuring Sinesipho Mnyango (Soprano), Asisipho Petu (Mezzo), Thomas Erlank (Tenor) and Bongani Khubeka (Bass)