UPSO Concert 3

University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestras presents:

UPSO Concert 3 | 2026

Conducted by: S J van der Merwe

The University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestras presents Future Footsteps.

Future Footsteps explores the journey of a student as both an inheritor and a trailblazer, walking paths shaped by others while forging new ones ahead. The concert traces a narrative from the awakening of curiosity, through challenge and distraction, to perseverance, responsibility, and ultimately integrity. It reflects a central truth of both student life and the broader human experience: that meaningful achievement is built through discipline, resilience, and the courage to choose the more demanding path .

At its heart lies a dialogue between destiny and discipline, the call of the future and the daily effort required to realise it. Featuring both iconic works and a student composition at its centre, Future Footsteps becomes a reminder that the future is something we shape, step by step.

Programme:

Richard Strauss                Also sprach Zarathustra (Opening)

Ludwig van Beethoven    Symphony No. 5, Movement I

Sergei Rachmaninoff       Piano Concerto No 2, Movement III

Camille Saint-Saëns        Danse Macabre

John Williams                  Theme from Schindler’s List

Adele / Paul Epworth      Skyfall

Benjamin Burton             Tindachalt

John Powell                      Music from How to Train Your Dragon

24 May 2026

Musaion

14:30

R150 pp

Wine Bar available

Queries: [email protected]  

UPSO goes to Rio 2027! Please support a student musician’s journey to Brazil and help the University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestras represent South Africa on an international stage. Queries: [email protected]