“Cape Town conductor Brandon Phillips is gaining prominence on the orchestral music scene,” writes Yolisa Tswanya in Tuesday’s (6/2) Cape Argus (South Africa). “Born and raised in Mitchells Plain, Phillips became the first conductor of colour to lead the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) this year. His other accolades include being named the first winner of the Len van Zyl Conductor’s Competition in 2010. One of Phillips’s first tasks as resident conductor will be to prepare and lead the orchestra at the annual New Year’s Eve concert … He said he was happy with his appointment and was grateful for the experience gained with the orchestra. … ‘I am not dreaming about it, I am living the dream, right now. …Although it is history being made here I am more concerned about the art.’ … Phillips also plays 13 instruments, including the viola and oboe, and is involved in youth outreach programmes. … The Orchestra’s chief executive, Louis Heyneman, said they were proud of Phillips’s achievements. ‘Without the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, he wouldn’t have had the opportunity to become the fine young conductor he is today. … This led to many professional engagements, from the CPO to the Johannesburg Philharmonic.’ ”
Posted June 26, 2015
