South African audiences can look forward to an inspiring winter season of live music, as four internationally acclaimed ensembles tour the country between May and July 2026. Presented by Classical Movements, the tours will bring choral and orchestral performances to audiences in Johannesburg, Soweto, Pretoria and Cape Town, offering a rare opportunity to experience world-class music close to home. 
The visiting ensembles include the Morgan State University Choir, Crystal Children’s Choir, Minnesota Boychoir and the Washington DC Youth Orchestra, each bringing its own distinctive repertoire, cultural heritage and performance style. During the tour, each choir/ orchestra will take part in a variety of local youth engagement and educational outreach activities such as workshops, side-by-sides and collaborations.
Since 1992, Classical Movements has facilitated cultural diplomacy and international music exchange on 6 continents in 147 countries, connecting communities through shared musical experiences. South African audiences may recall recent tours such as the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra – the first professional US orchestra to perform in SA – which drew enthusiastic responses from audiences across the country.
Together, the 2026 winter tours celebrate the power of music to build cultural connections, inspire young musicians and create memorable shared experiences for audiences of all ages.
SA WINTER 2026 TOUR SCHEDULE
20–28 May 2026
Morgan State University Choir (USA)
Venues: Johannesburg | Soweto | Pretoria | Cape Town
Book for the above date via Quicket – https://www.quicket.co.za/events/ OR Classical Movements – https://www.classicalmovements.com/
10–13 June 2026
Crystal Children’s Choir (USA)
Venues: Soweto | Cape Town
14–24 June 2026 Minnesota Boy choir (USA)
Venues: Johannesburg | Soweto | Pretoria | Cape Town
2–8 July 2026 Washington DC Youth Orchestra (USA)
Venues: Johannesburg | Pretoria | Soweto | Cape Town
ENSEMBLE HIGHLIGHTS
Morgan State University Choir (USA)
One of the United States’ most prestigious university choral ensembles, the Morgan State University Choir is internationally recognised for its powerful performances spanning classical, gospel and contemporary repertoire. The choir has performed with major orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony and New York Philharmonic, and has appeared at significant national events, including performances at the White House. Their 2026 visit marks a welcome return to South Africa, continuing their role as cultural ambassadors through music.
Crystal Children’s Choir (USA)
Founded in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, the Crystal Children’s Choir has earned global recognition for its refined musicianship and vibrant performances. The choir has performed at leading international venues including Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House and St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Known for its expressive sound and cross-cultural repertoire, the ensemble brings youthful energy and polished artistry to every performance.
Minnesota Boychoir (USA)
Now in its 64th season, the Minnesota Boychoir is one of the United States’ longest-running boys’ choirs. Renowned for its musical discipline and distinctive sound, the choir has performed with major orchestras and appeared at prominent venues including the Sydney Opera House and St Peter’s Basilica. Through performance and education, the ensemble nurtures young musicians while fostering confidence, teamwork and artistic growth.
Washington DC Youth Orchestra (USA)
Founded in 1960, the Washington DC Youth Orchestra is one of America’s most respected youth music education programmes. The orchestra has toured internationally and performed at prestigious venues including the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts. Known for its commitment to musical excellence and youth development, the ensemble continues to inspire young musicians while sharing orchestral music with audiences around the world.
A Global Commitment to Cultural Connection
“Each of these ensembles brings its own story, heritage and musical voice,” says Johan van Zyl from Classical Movements. “Together, they represent the power of music to connect cultures, inspire communities and create meaningful exchanges between young musicians and audiences across South Africa.”
Through concerts, educational outreach and cultural exchange, the Winter 2026 tours promise to enrich local communities while strengthening global artistic connections.
Full tour schedules, concert details and updates at: www.classicalmovements.com
ABOUT CLASSICAL MOVEMENTS
In South Africa…
Since 1994, Classical Movements has arranged over 240 concerts throughout South Africa, collaborating with the Rainbow Nation’s great and famous orchestras and choirs. Over the last quarter-century, CM has taken 63 foreign ensembles, with touring parties between 40-210 musicians, across the country. In addition, we’ve arranged extensive U.S. tours for 3 South African choirs and given back more than R2,000,000 to a diversity of South African causes: choir loft restoration in Alexandra, benefit concerts for Johannesburg’s orphans, workshops for Soweto’s choirs, home construction in the Western Cape, home repair on Orange Farm, Black Rhino conservation. And through our Eric Daniel Helms New Music Program, Classical Movements has commissioned 11 world premieres from leading South African composers. 
In 2009, to celebrate 15 years of touring to South Africa, we launched the Ihlombe! South African Choral Festival. The Zulu word for “applause,” apropos, Ihlombe! quickly became the largest annual international choral gathering in the country, featuring more than 140 South African and American choirs in its 10 years of operation.
Classical Movements continues to collect musical instruments for talented and promising young musicians in South Africa. Partnering with grass-roots community music organizations, orchestras, and ensembles, we aim to match donated instruments with eager players who need them.
South African Commissions
- Carletti, Stephen (South African) – Evening Canticles
- Koapeng, Mokale (South African) – Letlang Bana;Wings of Peace and Love: Reflections on Bheki Mseleku
- Ndodana-Breen, Bongani (South African) – Harmonia Ubuntu
- Njeza, Sibusiso (South African) – Uthando Nomculo
- Sibisi, Qinisela (South African) – Let the New Age Dawn
Globally…
Classical Movements is a premier concert tour company for the world’s great orchestras and choirs, creating meaningful cultural experiences through orchestra and choir tours in 147 countries. An industry leader since 1992, we understand both the travel and the performance needs of professional symphony orchestras and choruses, as well as conservatory, university and youth ensembles. Classical Movements produces the Prague Summer Nights: Young Artists Music Festival and through our Eric Daniel Helms New Music Program, have commissioned over 104 works from Grammy, Oscar, Pulitzer and MacArthur-winning composers. As a truly global enterprise, Classical Movements remains committed to facilitating cultural diplomacy across the world.