The Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Nurturing the Next Generation of Musicians

The Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (CPYO) has spent more than 20 years developing young musical talent and creating opportunities for aspiring musicians across the city.

Established by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), the CPYO forms part of the organisation’s extensive youth education and development programme, which is recognised as one of the foremost initiatives of its kind in South Africa.

Alongside the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble (CPYWE), the orchestra represents the highest level of achievement for more than 250 young musicians participating in the CPO Music Academy and Masidlale projects.

Developing Musical Excellence

As young musicians grow in ability and confidence, many progress into ad hoc roles with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra when larger orchestral forces are required. Some eventually become full members of the CPO, join orchestras elsewhere in South Africa, or pursue international opportunities.

Others have built successful careers in arts management and related fields, drawing on the skills and experience gained through the programme.

Among the success stories are principal horn Shannon Thebus, sub-principal trombone James George and trumpeter Chad Groupies, all of whom were principal musicians in the CPYO before progressing into professional careers.

A Pathway for Young Talent

The journey begins long before young musicians reach the youth orchestra. Through the grassroots Masidlale (“Let us Play”) programme, learners can start their musical education as early as Grade R through the Muzkanda music programme.

From there, they progress through the Cape Town Music Academy and a series of string ensembles and wind bands before reaching the CPYO or CPYWE.

Along the way, participants receive coaching, mentorship, theory lessons and performance opportunities from dedicated teachers and experienced CPO musicians. Tuition is provided free of charge, helping to make music education accessible to talented young people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Building Confidence Through Music

Beyond musical training, the CPO Music Academy helps young people develop confidence, self-esteem and valuable social skills.

As students master their instruments and perform publicly, they gain experience interacting with audiences at community concerts, care facilities and other local events. These opportunities foster personal growth while strengthening connections between music and community.

Performing on Cape Town’s Biggest Stages

The reputation of both flagship youth ensembles continues to grow. Each year, the CPYO performs at the Suidoosterfees at Artscape, while both ensembles regularly present concerts and appear as curtain raisers before major CPO performances.

They also share the stage with professional musicians during special side-by-side performances at Cape Town City Hall, giving young performers invaluable experience in a professional orchestral environment.

As Youth Education Manager John Minnaar-Msimang explains, “there is nothing more exciting to experience the energy and vitality that comes with our annual gala concert at the end of each year. While Masidlale has its own concerts at Artscape or further afield, the youth gala showcases each ensemble, culminating in the appearances of the CPYWE and the CPYO, raising the temperature and the rafters!”

To learn more about the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and its youth development programmes, visit www.cpo.org.za.

This article has been adapted from the original piece published in This is Cape Town Magazine, Volume 6, specifically for the blog. To view the original article, click here or read the full magazine online at This is Cape Town Magazine Volume 6.