Rand Symphony Orchestra, Midvaal (2026)

04/09/2026

🎻MEET OUR RESIDENT CONDUCTOR: CAREL HENN 🎶

We’re proud to introduce Carel Henn, our Resident Conductor and Musical Director — and a highly accomplished cellist with more than 25 years of orchestral experience.

Carel has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and orchestral musician with many leading orchestras across South Africa. He currently serves as Principal Cellist of the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra and JMI Orchestra.

Carel’s passion for conducting has seen him work with orchestras including the Rand Symphony Orchestra, Johannesburg Chamber Orchestra and Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2015, he was appointed Resident Conductor and Musical Director of the Rand Symphony Orchestra, a role he continues to hold.

Beyond the concert stage, Carel is an award-winning recording artist, adjudicator and dedicated teacher. His solo album Appassionato won a GMT Award for Best Classical Album in 2005.

And if you’re looking for an extraordinary musical achievement — in 2014, Carel set a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon cello playing, performing continuously for an incredible 26 hours during a fundraising event in Canada!

We’re incredibly fortunate to have Carel’s musical leadership and expertise at the heart of the Rand Symphony Orchestra. 🎶❤️

🌷 JOIN US FOR OUR SPRING PICNIC CONCERT! 🌷

📅 Sunday, 6 September 2026
🕒 15:00–17:00
📍 Domus Dei Randburg-Suid, Blairgowrie

🎼 Conducted by Carel Henn, Andrew Pallett & Gerhard du Preez
📯 Featuring Boitumelo Phaho – French Horn
🎤 Ulrich Snyman – Voice

🧺 Bring your picnic basket
🌿 Bring your blanket
👨‍👩‍👧 Bring your family & friends
*if it is raining, the concert will be moved into the church hall.

👧 Children under 12 FREE!
🎟️ Family tickets: R600 for 2 adults + 2 children over 12

Come spend your Sunday afternoon with us for live orchestral music, good company and a beautiful spring picnic! 🌸🎻

🎟️ Tickets available through Quicket South Africa.

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/335047-spring-picnic-concert/ #/

03/09/2026

🎤MEET OUR SOLOIST: ULRICH SNYMAN🎶

We’re delighted to introduce Ulrich Snyman, who will be joining us as a soloist at our Annual Spring Picnic Concert this Sunday!

Ulrich (20) is currently studying Economics and Econometrics at the University of Johannesburg, with aspirations of becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst.

But alongside his passion for finance, Ulrich has a strong love for music. He attended Hoërskool Linden, where he was an active member of the school choir and vocal ensembles under the guidance of Dr Gert Potgieter.

Ulrich served as Headboy of the Linden Choir and as voice group leader for the basses and tenors, demonstrating both his musical ability and leadership skills. He achieved a distinction in his Grade 6 Trinity examination.

We’re thrilled to welcome Ulrich to the stage and look forward to hearing his wonderful voice! 🎤✨

🌷 SPRING PICNIC CONCERT 🌷
📅 Sunday, 6 September 2026
🕒 15:00–17:00
📍 Domus Dei Randburg-Suid, Blairgowrie

🎤 Ulrich Snyman – Voice
📯 Boitumelo Phaho – French Horn
🎼 Conducted by Carel Henn, Andrew Pallett & Gerhard du Preez

🧺 Bring your picnic basket
🌿 Bring your blanket
👨‍👩‍👧 Bring your family & friends
*the concert will move to the church hall if it rains.

👧 Children under 12 FREE!
🎟️ Family tickets: R600 for 2 adults + 2 children over 12

Come enjoy an afternoon of live orchestral music, talented young musicians and a beautiful spring picnic atmosphere! 🌸🎻

🎟️ Tickets available through Quicket South Africa.

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/335047-spring-picnic-concert/ #/

02/09/2026

🎶🌸 MEET OUR SOLOIST: BOITUMELO PHAHO 🌸🎶

We’re delighted to introduce Boitumelo Phaho, who will be making her second appearance with the Rand Symphony Orchestra this year — this time showcasing her talent on the French Horn!

Boitumelo is a second-year BMus student at the University of Pretoria, where she continues to develop her passion and talent for music. A talented multi-instrumentalist, she plays both piano and French horn.

Boitumelo began piano at the age of 7 and has achieved numerous successes in national competitions, including winning the Atterbury National Piano Competition (12 & Under) and placing as a finalist and runner-up in various categories of the Phillip H. Moore (VKB) Music Competition.
She began studying French horn in 2018 and achieved a Distinction in her Trinity College London Grade 8 Practical Examination in 2024. She currently studies under Jaco van Staden and has received numerous category and trophy awards at the Pretoria Eisteddfod.
Boitumelo is also a member of the University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra and Wind Orchestra, and has performed with various ensembles and as a soloist, including at the Pretoria Symphony Orchestra Youth Concerto Festival.
Beyond music, Boitumelo enjoys reading, learning languages and travelling.

🌷 SPRING PICNIC CONCERT 🌷
📅 Sunday, 6 September 2026
🕒 15:00–17:00
📍 Domus Dei Randburg-Suid, Blairgowrie

🎼 Featuring Boitumelo Phaho – French Horn
🎤 Ulrich Snyman – Voice
🎻 Conducted by Carel Henn, Andrew Pallett & Gerhard du Preez

🧺 Bring your picnic basket
🌿 Bring your blanket and chairs
👨‍👩‍👧 Bring your family & friends

👧 Children under 12 FREE!
🎟️ Family tickets: R600 for 2 adults + 2 children over 12

Come and enjoy an afternoon of beautiful orchestral music, talented young musicians and a spring picnic atmosphere! 🌸🎻

🎟️ Tickets available through Quicket South Africa.

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/335047-spring-picnic-concert/ #/

01/09/2026

🎶 MEET ONE OF OUR CONDUCTORS: GERHARD DU PREEZ 🎻

We’re excited to introduce Gerhard du Preez, one of the conductors joining us for our Annual Spring Picnic Concert this Sunday!

Gerhard began his violin studies at just 4 years old and has gone on to perform as a soloist with several orchestras, including the Pretoria Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia Juventi and Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra.

He currently performs with several leading orchestras, including the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra and Free State Symphony Orchestra, and serves as co-concertmaster of the Pretoria Symphony Orchestra.

Gerhard has also been studying orchestral conducting since 2024 under Israeli-American conductor Daniel Boico. 🎼

We’re thrilled to have Gerhard sharing his musical talents with us! 🌿🎶

🌷 SPRING PICNIC CONCERT 🌷
📅 Sunday, 6 September 2026
🕒 15:00–17:00
📍 Domus Dei Randburg-Suid, Blairgowrie

🎻 Featuring Boitumelo Phaho on French Horn & Ulrich Snyman on Voice
🎼 Conducted by Carel Henn, Andrew Pallett & Gerhard du Preez

🧺 Bring your picnic basket
🌿 Bring your blanket
👨‍👩‍👧 Bring your family & friends

👧 Children under 12 FREE!
🎟️ Family tickets: R600 for 2 adults + 2 children over 12

Come enjoy an afternoon of live orchestral music, good company and spring sunshine! 🌸🎻

*the concert will move into the church hall if it rains.

🎟️ Tickets: Quicket South Africa

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/335047-spring-picnic-concert/ #/

31/08/2026

🎶MEET ONE OF OUR CONDUCTORS: ANDREW PALLETT 🎶

As we get ready for our Annual Spring Picnic Concert this Sunday, we’re delighted to introduce you to Mr Andrew Pallett! 🎷

Andrew’s musical journey began in 2007 as a member of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School, followed by the Johannesburg Symphonic Wind Band in 2009.

In 2015, he completed his Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Pretoria, specialising in Music Education and Orchestral Conducting. Since 2018, Andrew has been a full-time music teacher at Jeppe High School for Girls, where he teaches Class Music and Saxophone.

Andrew studied orchestral conducting with Gerben Grooten and has participated in masterclasses with world-renowned conductors including Osmo Vänskä, Alexander Shelley and Arjan Tien.

He was selected to participate in the South African Conductors’ Competition in Cape Town in both 2021 and 2024.

Since then, Andrew has had the opportunity to work with numerous orchestras across Gauteng, including the Rand Symphony Orchestra, Johannesburg Youth Orchestra and Hoërskool Randburg Simfonie-orkes.

Andrew is also the conductor of the Jeppe High School for Girls Orchestra, which regularly performs at festivals and concerts throughout Gauteng.

We’re thrilled to have Andrew joining us for this special afternoon of music! 🎶🌿

🌷 JOIN US FOR OUR SPRING PICNIC CONCERT! 🌷

📅 Sunday, 6 September 2026
🕒 15:00–17:00
📍 Domus Dei Randburg-Suid, Blairgowrie

🎻 Featuring Boitumelo Phaho on French Horn and Ulrich Snyman on Voice
🎼 Conducted by Carel Henn, Andrew Pallett and Gerhard du Preez

🧺 Bring your picnic basket
🌿 Bring your blanket
👨‍👩‍👧 Bring your friends and family

👧 Children under 12 are FREE!
🎟️ Family tickets: R600 for 2 adults + 2 children over 12

Come and spend your Sunday afternoon with us — live orchestral music, good company and a spring picnic! 🌸🎻

🎟️ Tickets available through Quicket:

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/335047-spring-picnic-concert/ #/

30/08/2026

One week to go!
Spring is already in the air.
Join us next Sunday, 6th September for our Annual Spring Picnic Concert at 15:00 at Domus Dei Randburg-Suid, Blairgowrie.

Bring your picnic baskets, blankets, family and friends and settle in for a wonderful afternoon of music under the spring sky. ☀️

🎼 The programme includes:
✨ Mendelssohn
✨ Strauss
✨ Haydn
✨ Dvořák
✨ Ketèlbey
✨ Chabrier
✨ Favourites from My Fair Lady
✨ Ballet music from Faust

Featuring soloists Boitumelo Phaho (French Horn) and Ulrich Snyman (Voice), with conductors Carel Henn, Andrew Pallett and Gerhard du Preez.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children under 12 are FREE!
🎟️ Family ticket: R600 for 2 adults + 2 children over 12

Come and enjoy an afternoon where music, community and spring come together. 🌷🎻

📅 Sunday, 6 September 2026
🕒 15:00–17:00
📍 Domus Dei Church, Blairgowrie

🎟️ Book your tickets on Quicket South Africa
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/335047-spring-picnic-concert/ #/