Yasuo will be conducting the FSSO on the 14th of March at the Odeion in Bloemfontein. Joining him on stage is mezzo soprano Violina Anguelov. 

The Free State Symphony Orchestra (FSSO) invites audiences to an evening of orchestral brilliance with its upcoming concert, Summer Nights. 

Under the baton of the acclaimed Japanese conductor Yasuo Shinozaki, the orchestra will present a richly varied programme that celebrates elegance, lyricism, and heroic grandeur.

Yasuo joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the program of the night, as well as to share what he has learned through his travels over the years when conducting international orchestras.

Born in Kyoto and trained at the prestigious Toho Gakuen College, Yasuo Shinozaki has built a formidable global reputation. From his early triumphs at the Antonio Pedrotti and International Sibelius competitions to his tenure as assistant conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Shinozaki has become a household name in the world’s great concert halls.

Yasuo Shinozaki. Photo supplied

Having led major orchestras across Europe and Japan, and as a frequent guest of South Africa’s top philharmonics, Maestro Shinozaki brings a unique blend of precision and passion to the podium.

“Conducting is about more than just time-keeping; it’s about sharing the lessons learned from different cultures and orchestras around the world,” said Shinozaki.

The program

The concert features a selection of masterworks designed to showcase the artistic excellence of the FSSO and its guest artists.

• Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin.
  The evening opens with this work of refined colour and grace, blending neoclassical clarity with impressionistic warmth.

• Berlioz: Les nuits d’été.
  Performed by internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Violina Anguelov, this beloved song cycle explores moods of romance and bittersweet reflection through the poetry of Théophile Gautier.

• Beethoven: Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”.
  The concert culminates in one of the most groundbreaking works in symphonic history, a turning point in classical music defined by its bold scale and heroic spirit.

Event details 

The performance promises a powerful and inspiring musical experience for both seasoned enthusiasts and new listeners.

• Date: Saturday, 14 March 2026
• Time: 19:30
• Venue: Odeion Auditorium

Ticket Prices:

• Adult: R160
• Adult + 1 free (under 18): R160
• Student (over 18): R110
• Learner (under 18): R60

Tickets are available via Webtickets.

Media enquiries

For interviews or further information, please contact: Dr Luzanne Eigelaar. Email: FSSO@ufs.ac.za or eigelaarAL@ufs.ac.za. Phone: +27 (0)51 401 2342.