BE THE MAESTRO: COMPOSE YOUR WAY TO THE SYMPHONY

Mhlengi Khumalo

@into.mbiyakwakhumalo

 

Red Bull Symphonic South Africa is returning in 2026, offering a ground-breaking collision between modern urban rhythms and the grandeur of a full-scale symphonic orchestra. While past editions featured legends like Kelvin Momo and Kabza De Small, this year’s ‘You Conduct’ theme puts the creative power directly into the hands of the audience. Through the ‘Be The Maestro’ activation, students and music lovers are invited to step into the role of a conductor for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid experience at the upcoming show.

 

The Maestro Game: How to Enter

The activation is a game of skill where participants must compose their own original tracks using a digital “can modifier” on the official Red Bull website. To qualify for prizes, follow these steps:

 

Access the Platform: Visit the official Red Bull Symphonic South Africa event page at https://www.redbull.com/za-en/events/red-bull-symphonic-south-africa or scan the QR codes found on key visuals at consumer activation points.

 

Compose Your Track: Use the provided orchestral elements and sound tools to build a song.

 

The “Power-Up” Requirement: Your composition must incorporate the sound of a Red Bull can opening at least once.

 

Length Matters: Tracks must be at least 30 seconds long; anything shorter is automatically disqualified.

 

Submit Your Entry: Complete the entry form with your contact details. You may submit as many songs as you like to increase your chances.

 

Prizes and Selection

This year’s competition features a tiered reward system designed to bring the campus community closer to the music:

 

Weekly Winners: Every week, selected participants will receive two tickets to the Red Bull Symphonic live event.

 

The Grand Prize: One lucky winner will receive a luxury prize package including flights, all-expenses-paid accommodation, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the show.

 

Judging: The winners are selected by an internal panel of experts who choose their favourite compositions based on creativity and skill.

 

Important Dates and Eligibility

The ‘Be The Maestro’ promotion is currently active and will run until 24 May 2026 at 23:59. Participants must be at least 18 years old and reside in South Africa.

 

Note that eligibility is restricted for those who have won a Red Bull competition in the past 36 months. While the headlining artist for 2026 is yet to be officially revealed, the event is expected to take place in early June, following the tradition of previous sold-out performances in Johannesburg.

 

Who knows, we might get a reveal this week or next week, because one thing Red Bull can do better than anyone else is give you wings to chase your dreams of attending a concert of a lifetime!

 

Exclusive close-up from behind the curtain at the 2025 Red Bull Symphonic (Source: Red Bull Symphonic).

 

Edited by Isabel Burgers