The Free State Symphony Orchestra is the only professional ad hoc orchestra based in Bloemfontein. The professional core of the orchestra consists of music teachers and free lance musicians. This is supplemented by some of the best young instrumentalists in the province.
The FSSO performs symphony concerts, accompany choirs, ballet and opera productions and do outreach concerts.

• Department of Arts & Culture
• National Arts Council
• National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund
• International Performing Arts Trust
• Samro Endowment for the Performing Arts
• RAITH Foundation
• Mozart Ice Cream
• Swartland Wineries
• PACOFS
• Rand Merchant Bank
• Rupert Foundation
• Business and Arts South Africa
• Free State Department of Education
• University of the Free State
• MACUFE
• Volksblad Arts Festival

The FSSO offers funding options at various levels, from donations from individuals, to sponsorships from the corporate sector and grants from funding organisations.

The FSSO Community Concerts attract audiences and/or showcase artists from previously disadvantaged communities and include concerts with a strong educational focus.

Friends who support the orchestra in their personal capacity enjoy acknowledgement in concert programmes, and receive complimentary tickets to designated FSSO concerts as well as invitations to orchestra receptions.

The FSSO funds specialised individual tuition for talented disadvantaged young musicians through our Cadet Programme.

Current members of the board of the FSSO:

The FSSO Board governs the orchestra and therefore oversees that everything regarding the orchestra is done properly.

Planning and budgets are approved, and office bearers appointed by the board.

Since 2009 the Free State Youth Orchestra is managed by the FSSO. Auditions for the orchestra are held at the beginning of each year, but ad hoc auditions can also be arranged with management during the year. The best young instrumentalists in the province from all backgrounds have the unique opportunity to gain invaluable professional experience by playing in the orchestra. Different guest conductors are invited for each concert. The different instrument-groups are privileged to be trained by members of the Odeion String and other leading experts.
The first concert of 2010 was on Thursday 25 March.



Alex Fokkens conducted the Youth Orchestra on 12 September 2010 and again on 24 March 2011.




David Nkosi rehearsing with the FS Youth Orchestra for their concert on 25 March 2010.

Contact us at (051) 401-2342 and join the fun!