Christopher Park opens the new CPO season with Brahms Piano Concerto no 1

Park, an international prize winner lauded for his technique, musicality and charisma, was born in Germany. A protégé of Christoph Eschenbach, he has played extensively in Europe, America and China in festivals, with orchestras and in chamber recitals, known for his partnership in particular with the Korean soprano Sumi Jo.

Conrad van Alphen, chief conductor of the Sinfonia Rotterdam and born in South Africa, will conduct the CPO in Mendelssohn's huge Song of Praise, Lobgesang, with soloists Noluvuyiso Mpofu (soprano), Goitsemang Lehobye and tenor Khanyiso Gwenxane and the new Apostolic Church Choir.

A talk by Barry Smith

The concert will be preceded by a talk by Barry Smith on the Mendelssohn work at the back on the concert hall at 7.15pm. Entry is free to ticket holders.

There will also be a curtain raiser with the CP Youth Wind Ensemble under the direction of Sean Kierman. The young musicians will perform the Swiss Festival Overture by Philip Sparke.

Tickets for this concert are R130 to R195, available from Computicket outlets, online at www.computicket.co.za and Artscape Dial-a-Seat on +27 (0)21 421 7695. Subscriptions for the six-concert season attract a 20% discount and the chance to win a night at the Coopmanhuijs Hotel and Spa in Stellenbosch. Enquiries to the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra via az.gro.opc@oyuvul or www.cpo.org.za.