The Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra

The best orchestra nurturing the needs of our communities

Established in 1988 as a Section 21 Company and registered as the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Society

Orchestral music activities started in 1872 in Port Elizabeth with the forming of the Port Elizabeth Philharmonic Society

• A part time orchestra comprising local music professionals and amateur musicians, who come from various professional disciplines and occupations

• Managed according to sound professional business principles
• Sound financial management processes
• Assisted by a national firm of auditors, based locally.
• An efficient and effective administrative office
• Supported by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
• Has initiated and developed one of the largest orchestral development programmes for previously disadvantaged learners in South Africa.
• Mrs Nosimo Balindlela, Premier of the Eastern Cape Province, is our honorary patron

Our home is the Feather Market Centre Concert Hall, in Baakens Street, Port Elizabeth

The ECPO strives to:

• Enrich the lives of people through the enjoyment of orchestral music
• Provide opportunities for youth to develop their creative abilities
• Provide opportunities for young musicians to perform
• Assist in nurturing the talents of prospective music-makers and teachers
• Attract individuals from all communities in the area to orchestral music activities

What The ECPO Does:

• Presents up to fourteen full scale orchestral concerts annually, ranging from family orientated open air park concerts and youth concerto festivals to symphony concerts with massed choirs
• Presents and organises ensemble concerts and popular music concerts, including wind bands, string ensembles, jazz groups, chamber groups, and full scale symphonic pops concerts
• Presents an annual youth orchestral workshop for all young people in the area, which culminates in a performance at the Feather Market Centre concert hall.
• We serve the community by presenting ensemble concerts to the residents of homes for the elderly and disabled as well as presenting educational concerts at schools for learners with disabilities and schools for previously disadvantaged communities
• We provide transport for learners, parents and teachers from several schools in disadvantaged communities to attend ECPO Concerts in the Feather Market Centre

OUR MOST IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENT:
GROWING AUDIENCES AND MUSICIANS FOR TOMORROW