An unforgettable musical journey awaits music enthusiasts at the 15th Klein Karoo Klassique in Oudtshoorn.
In Lig op die horison the award-winning South Cape Children’s Choir (SCCC), directed by Jan-Erik Swart, join forces for the first time with the popular Joshua na die Reën (JNDR) for a unique experience on Sunday 11 August at 13:00.
Although he is a familiar face on stage at the annual KKNK, JNDR will be seen at Klein Karoo Klassique for the first time. He says it always remains special for him to be associated with the Karoo. “I have a deep love for the Karoo. It was a very special place for my father, since we were small. To be able to perform and make music there, especially with a choir, is a great privilege.”
He further says choirs are also close to his heart. “I have a lot of performances with choirs every year. It is my first performance with the South Cape Children’s Choir, and I am really looking forward to it.”
About Lig op die horison at Klein Karoo Klassique, he says: “When you make music from the heart so much effort is put into it to make something that transports people to a different place. I think then it is something that people should be part of. Therefore, it is a pleasure to invite people to this opportunity and to join the festivities.”
“The Klein Karoo is a special place for my whole family. Ever since I was a little boy and watched other artists at the KKNK, it has been a place close to my heart. It was a place of dreams. When I saw the artists performing there, I thought that one day I would like to be on those stages too. To some extent, to be able to make music in the Klein Karoo, is a dream that keeps coming true,” he concludes.
Jan-Erik Swart, conductor of the South Cape Children’s Choir, says it is a wonderful opportunity for the choir to perform with JNDR. “He is a hero amongst our choir members. During this performance, we present some of his music in a classical way, in four-part harmony. JNDR’s lyrics inspired the theme for the performance, and they are brought to life in wonderful ways,” Swart says.
Swart compiled the programme with the theme “The search for light”. He says that both JNDR’s repertoire and the SCCC’s programme, includes various elements of light and the search for it. “We include a few Spanish songs focused on the theme, with one song in particular that is depicted through movements while the choir sings. This song asks where the light is at night, with a story attached to it. Music by a Spanish composer is also summarised through beautiful movements. The theme gives life to the programme. Various Afrikaans songs linking with the theme are also performed.”
“A variety of techniques are used to portray the theme of light, and this is very exciting for us. And to perform adaptations by JNDR with the choir will be unique and we cannot wait to perform these songs. We are very much looking forward to sharing the stage with him,” Swart concludes.
Klein Karoo Klassique is presented by the KKNK from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August, made possible by the Rupert Music Foundation and the ATKV, with the support of Le Lude and the Oudtshoorn Municipality.
The accommodation sponsors of this winter festival are Aloe Manor, De Zeekoe, Kleinplaas Holiday Resort, Protea Hotel Riempie Estate, Queen’s Hotel by BON Hotels, Ravenscliff Manor, Rosenhof Country House and Turnberry Boutique Hotel. Other accommodation options are available online through the festival’s accommodation partner, LekkeSlaap.
A limited number of Klassique packages are available, which provides an opportunity for festivalgoers to see all ten recitals at a saving of 25%. Tickets are available at Webtickets, Pick n Pay or the KKNK office. Available tickets are also on sale at the door before the start of recitals.
For more information, visit klassique.co.za or contact the KKNK office via email at info@kunste.org.za, phone 044 203 8600 or send a WhatsApp to 065 285 2337.
Photos attached: Joshua na die Reën and the South Cape Children’s Choir share the stage for Lig op die horison at this year’s Klein Karoo Klassique.