Capital City Orchestra

Background
The South African City orchestra (SACO) idea was born in 2012 when, because of funding
problems for the local professional orchestra (the FSSO) in Bloemfontein, a Pro-Am
community orchestra (the BCO) was launched that would perform accessible orchestral
music. It consisted of professional players in the principle positions; which were augmented
by capable amateur players. These musicians often had spent their youth playing orchestral
instruments, were members of various youth orchestras and some had even studied music
at some point-but were now engaged in other professional activities. This orchestra
presented an opportunity to be part of large-scale musical productions, only otherwise
accessible by professional musicians. Thus, truly music by the community for the
community.
This model proved so successful that a satellite orchestra was created in the Western Cape
(the SCO), which recently celebrated ten years of music making in the Winelands with a sold
out run of shows at the Lourensford Wine Cellar in Somerset West with 1600 enthusiastic
fans attending.
The idea has always been to combine the power of a full scale symphony orchestra with
music that is better known by the general public. Think ABBA, QUEEN, James Bond, Movies,
Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elvis Presley, 80’s, musicals and more! To this end both orchestras
have managed to extend their audiences to include fist time attendees that have never
experience the magic of a symphony orchestra live, and then in a show atmosphere that is
both exhilarating and non-threatening. It has provided an alternative to the staid traditional
symphony orchestra concert that is presented by most other symphonic ensembles.
In September 2019 the Capital City Orchestra (CCO) was launched in Pretoria, to bring the
same spectacular shows that had been presented in Bloemfontein and Somerset West to
the city. At that point, some patrons had been flying from Pretoria to Cape Town to see the
SCO in action! The Armed Man was presented at the University of Pretoria to an
appreciative full house-but then early 2020 Covid struck, and the project ground to a halt for
two years.
Since 2023 attempts were made to resuscitate the CCO but these all proved unsuccessful as
the Pretoria public became hesitant post Covid to support new endeavors that they were
not familiar with before.
In order for the CCO to take its rightful place in the Pretoria musical landscape, where
incidentally there are no other orchestras providing this type of entertainment, a large-scale
marketing campaign would be required to bring the product to the attention of the
consumer/audience. This would require external funding that cannot be generated by door
sales alone.
Capital City Orchestra (CCO) Proposal for Corporate Funding
Background

The South African City Orchestra (SACO) concept originated in 2012, inspired by funding
challenges faced by the then local professional orchestra (FSSO) in Bloemfontein. To address
these challenges, a Pro/Am community orchestra, the Bloemfontein City Orchestra (BCO),
was established. This innovative ensemble performed accessible orchestral music and
comprised professional musicians in principal positions, supported by talented amateur
players. These amateur musicians, many of whom had extensive backgrounds in youth
orchestras or had studied music, relished the opportunity to participate in large-scale
musical productions typically reserved for professionals. Truly music by the people for the
people.

The success of this model led to the creation of a satellite orchestra in the Western Cape,
the Stellenbosch City Orchestra (SCO). Celebrating a decade of musical excellence, the SCO
recently enjoyed a sold-out series of performances at the Lourensford Wine Cellar in
Somerset West, drawing an enthusiastic audience of 1,600 fans.

Both orchestras combine the grandeur of a full symphony orchestra with music that
resonates with the general public. Performances include programmes from ABBA, QUEEN,
James Bond films, popular movies, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elvis Presley, 80s hits, musicals,
and more. This approach has successfully attracted first-time attendees who might not
typically have experienced the enchantment of a live symphony orchestra, offering an
exhilarating and approachable alternative to traditional symphonic concerts.

In September 2019, the Capital City Orchestra (CCO) was launched in Pretoria to bring these
spectacular shows to the city. At the time, some dedicated patrons even traveled from
Pretoria to Cape Town to enjoy the SCO's performances. The CCO's inaugural performance,
"The Armed Man," at the University of Pretoria, was met with an enthusiastic full house.
Unfortunately, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 halted the project for two
years. Efforts to revive the CCO since 2023 have faced challenges, as the Pretoria public has
been hesitant to support new ventures unfamiliar to them.
The Way Forward
For the CCO to secure its position in Pretoria's musical landscape—where no other
orchestras offer this unique type of entertainment—a robust marketing campaign is
essential. This campaign aims to raise awareness and attract audiences, an effort that
requires funding beyond what can be generated from ticket sales alone.
Proposal for Corporate Funding

We are seeking corporate partners to support the revitalization of the Capital City
Orchestra. Your investment will help fund a large-scale marketing campaign designed to
reintroduce the CCO to Pretoria's audience, highlighting the orchestra's unique and
accessible performances.

By supporting the CCO, your organization will not only contribute to the cultural enrichment
of Pretoria but also gain visibility and association with a beloved community-focused
initiative. Together, we can bring the magic of the Capital City Orchestra to life, creating
memorable experiences for a diverse and appreciative audience.

We look forward to the opportunity to discuss this partnership further and explore how we
can work together to achieve these goals.