Brandon Phillips of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra talks about the highlights of his career, family and loss over weekend breakfast.

– Brandon Phillips made history by becoming the first conductor of color to lead the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra

– CPO Principal Bassoon and Resident Conductor Joins Amy MacIver at Weekend Breakfast for an In-Depth Interview

Brandon Phillips made history in 2015 when he became the first color conductor to lead the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO).

In addition to his role as resident conductor and principal bassoon, Phillips is also involved with the CPO Youth Orchestra.

He recently led the CPO Concert of Gratitude for healthcare workers at Groote Schuur Hospital.

It was the least we could do to get them motivated through this pandemic …

Brandon Phillips, resident conductor – Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

Phillips grew up in Mitchells Plain, where his introduction to music was through the church.

My first musical memory is when I was told to go to my first recorder class … with my brothers … at the Apostolic Church. I was nine and playing games with my friends outside … that was basically my forte …

Brandon Phillips, resident conductor – Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

After studying all the recorders for about two years … the ensemble leader of the congregation asked “who wants to learn the trumpet?” I didn’t know what a trumpet looked like … but I just raised my hand …

Brandon Phillips, resident conductor – Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

Phillips says he also taught himself about the other instruments his brothers had at home, such as the flute and clarinet.

Later, he joined his mother to take violin lessons.

The conductor lists the 13 instruments he is able to play:

It’s all recorders, violin, viola and cello; it’s the oboe, the clarinet, the flute, the tenor sax, the alto sax, the trumpet … a little guitar too.

Brandon Phillips, resident conductor – Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

Phillips heard about a bassoonist position at CPO from a speaker while doing his musical accolades at UCT, which he obtained in 2001 despite various obstacles.

The Cape Philharmonic is a really prestigious orchestra, the oldest orchestra in South Africa … I had roughly about two months to prepare for work … about three or four months before I auditioned, I got it. removed a kidney … I had to recover to go for this dream job of mine …

Brandon Phillips, resident conductor – Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

Phillips won the inaugural Len van Zyl conductor competition in 2010, which was life changing.

I won this conducting competition without really knowing where God is leading me because I could never have dreamed of conducting an orchestra!

Brandon Phillips, resident conductor – Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

The victory led to study and stays in the United States and the Netherlands.

The Cape Philharmonic gave him “practice time” and in 2012 he received what he describes as the great honor of becoming a resident conductor.

The only way you can really practice is when you have an orchestra in front of you … because you don’t have your “instrument” with you all the time.

Brandon Phillips, resident conductor – Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

I really like. It’s hard work – it’s not just about waving your arms, you have to study and prepare well to get a good result.

Brandon Phillips, resident conductor – Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

It’s been hard to play in an orchestra and conduct the orchestra because it’s basically two jobs that you do, and having a family, and, and, and … I’m overwhelmed by everything, positively.

Brandon Phillips, resident conductor – Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

Phillips describes how he pours the grief of losing his mother recently to Covid, into his music.

It really heals all the pain and suffering that my family is going through.

Brandon Phillips, resident conductor – Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

Scroll to the top of the article for audio to listen to this in-depth interview

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