A symphony of strings awaits classical music enthusiasts at this year’s Klein Karoo Klassique.
The cello, harp, violin, viola, double bass and more take centre stage in Oudtshoorn at this festival of classical music, art, books, food and wine from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August.
Rosamund Roth (cello), Liesl Stoltz (flute) and José Dias (piano) open the music programme of the 16th Klein Karoo Klassique with Trio du Cap Classique (8 August 10:00). Their vibrant programme includes Mozart’s Piano Trio in B-flat Major, K. 502; Goossens’s Five Impressions of a Holiday and Farrenc’s Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano in E minor, Op. 45. The recital is followed by a free music discussion with the artists.
The Little Maestros concert series (8 and 9 August 12:30) returns, to introduce young audiences to the harp, with Jana van der Walt (harp) and Magdalene Minnaar (violin & presenter). Classical music is a powerful developmental tool for young children, supporting brain development and enhancing concentration. These immersive recitals offer a relaxed environment where young ears can explore the music of Mozart, Bach and other beloved classical composers.
Petrus de Beer (violin), Renée van der Westhuizen (violin), Emile de Roubaix (viola) and Anjulie de Vos-Nock (cello) perform in Alive String Quartet in Concert (8 August 14:00). This string quartet blends classical and contemporary music with engaging storytelling and narration, celebrating the timeless allure of classical string instruments. The programme includes beloved works by composers such as Vivaldi, Haydn, Beethoven and Piazzolla, alongside modern hits infused with a classical touch by The Beatles, Coldplay and more. A free music discussion with the musicians follows the recital.
In Glass House: A Journey Through Minimalist Masterpieces (9 August 09:30) the Alive String Quartet joins Steinway Artist Charl du Plessis (piano) to explore the hypnotic beauty and rhythmic brilliance of minimalist music. The programme features work by Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt, Max Richter and Michael Nyman, for a recital that traverses decades of minimalist innovation. From the meditative calm of Pärt’s Spiegel im Spiegel to the pulsating energy of Philip Glass’s The Hours, this recital offers a richly textured and immersive listening experience.
The Cape Town Festival Orchestra, conducted by Richard Cock, returns for the Klein Karoo Klassique Gala Concert (9 August 19:30). Strings share the stage with Nonhlanhla Yende (mezzo-soprano) and the Charl du Plessis Trio [Du Plessis (piano), Werner Spies (double bass) and Peter Auret (drums)]. The programme includes a new orchestral arrangement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, opera arias by Mozart and music by Vivaldi, Bach and Beethoven.
In Journey of the Soul (10 August 09:30) Roth (cello) is joined by Féroll-Jon Davids (clarinet) and Megan-Geoffrey Prins (piano), for a recital centred around storytelling and fantasy. The programme features evocative works by Schumann, Muczynski and Brahms, composed for the unique instrumental combination of the clarinet, cello, and piano, and unified by the theme of imagination and mysticism.
In addition to the string-focused performances, festivalgoers can look forward to other recitals, including: Klavierkoors (8 August 19:30), Trio AéroClave (9 August 13:30), Zorada se katedraal en kaperjol (9 August 16:30) and Voces Cordis, conducted by André van der Merwe (10 August 12:30).
A limited number of Klassique Packages are available, offering access to all nine recitals at a saving of over 20%. Tickets can be purchased online or from the KKNK office. Remaining tickets will also be on sale at the door before each recital.
Klein Karoo Klassique is presented by the KKNK, made possible by the Rupert Music Foundation and the ATKV, with the support from Le Lude and the Oudtshoorn Municipality.
Accommodation sponsors for this winter festival include Aloe Manor, Bakenskraal Ostrich Palace, Beit Shalom Guesthouse, Hlangana Lodge, Kleinplaas Holiday Resort, Mooiplaas Guest House, Queen’s Hotel, Ravenscliff Manor and Rosenhof Country House.
For more information, visit klassique.co.za or contact the KKNK office via email at info@kunste.org.za, by phone at 044 203 8600 or send a WhatsApp to 065 285 2337.
