Youth Education

The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra is the national leader in developing young people to take their places on platforms as well as in the audience.

Established in 2003 to provide access to music for young people aged 6 to 25 often from marginalised communities, provide them with a safe after-schools alternative and enable them to master an instrument, perform in public and gain self-esteem, the CPO’s vast youth education programme is the most successful in the country.
The Masidlale grassroots mother-tongue project which teaches instruments across schools from Khayelitsha to Green Point
The CPO Music Academy, based at Gardens Commercial School in the city, offers theory and practice every Saturday in school terms, Learners join the junior, intermediate or senior string ensembles or junior wind band in preparation for joining the flagship Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble (CPYWE) and Youth Orchestra (CPYO).
The CPYWE performs in local festivals. Weekly rehearsals take place at the Music Academy under the direction of conductor Charlene Verster.
The CPYO is at the heart of youth music in Cape Town, performing regularly in showcases like Suidoosterfees. Liam Burden was appointed conductor in 2024.

The CPO also takes music to schools as part of audience development and develops careers through, for instance:

The SA Composers’ Competition established in 2022/2023
The SA Conductor’s Competition – established in 2009/2010
Annual variety gala concerts which showcase young local performers
The annual National Youth Music Competition
The annual Youth Classical Concert with Artscape
Hennie Joubert Piano Competition every second year
Choral concerts with local choirs
Collaborations with companies such as G&S, ZipZap Circus and Elvis Sibeko Studios

If you wish to help the CPO make a difference in the community and sponsor a concert, a conductor, teacher, musician, music books, scores, lessons or instruments please contact Business Development Strategist Louise Enslin / 087 164 2162