Season 2 opens on Friday 24 July at 19:00 with Journey of the Soul, an Endler Prestige Concert featuring Féroll-Jon Davids on clarinet, Rosamund Roth on cello and Nina Schumann on piano. Centred on musical storytelling and the mystical elements of fantasy, the programme invites audiences into a sound world of imagination, colour and emotion, with works by Schumann, Muczynski and Brahms. From dreamy introspection and melancholic lyricism to rhythmic vitality, dramatic contrasts and lush harmonies, the recital offers a soulful journey through music’s power to reflect shared human experience.

On Friday 31 July, the Stellenbosch University Chamber Choir presents Voices Without Borders, a gala concert conducted by Lunathi Ncamani and Martin Berger. The programme celebrates the power of choral music to connect cultures, languages and generations, moving from the rich colours of South African choral music to inspiring works from the international repertoire.

August brings further highlights, including Piano², the annual SU / UCT Piano Exchange, on Wednesday 12 August at 19:00 in the Fismer Hall. Following more than two decades of collaboration between the Stellenbosch University Piano Division and the University of Cape Town’s South African College of Music, this year’s programme celebrates duets and two-piano works.

On Friday 14 August, the Stellenbosch University Choir, conducted by André van der Merwe, returns to the Endler stage with a programme of exceptional choral artistry. Audiences can look forward to works including “Sicut Anima Mea, Laat die Wind my Neem, Ndikuthandile and Oxamu”, showcasing the choir’s remarkable versatility, technical brilliance and expressive depth.

The Endler Prestige Series continues on Friday 21 August with The Chopin Project II: Complete Chamber Music, pianist José Dias’ exploration of the works of Frédéric Chopin. Joined by Suzanne Martens on violin and Peter Martens on cello, Dias turns the spotlight on Chopin’s complete chamber music output, from early virtuoso works to the masterful “Cello Sonata”, Chopin’s final published composition.

September offers a dynamic mix of orchestral performance, chamber music, competitions and national platforms for young musicians. Highlights include the Stellenbosch University Symphony Orchestra (USSO) on Friday 4 September, conducted by Rik Ghesquière with soloists Luc Ponet and Mario Nell on organ; the Endler Prestige concert To Moer and Gone: Tales from Here, There and Everywhere on Friday 18 September, featuring the NorthSouth Duo with Josie McClure on saxophone and Kaat Vanhaverbeke on accordion; the SU National Ensemble Competition (SUNEC) and Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra Gala Concert on Saturday 19 September; and the Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition, which takes place from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 September, concluding with the Gala Concert and Final on Saturday 26 September at 15:00.

Click here for more information on the upcoming Endler Concert Series Season 2 performances.

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Stellenbosch Town Hall, silent for classical music in recent years, will open its doors for an evening of tradition and music. The concert will begin with a performance by the Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra, an ensemble of young musicians who represent the next generation of South Africa’s classical talent.

Soprano Marina Erasmus joins the orchestra as guest soloist. Renowned for her velvety tone, refined musical sensibility and a versatile repertoire that spans opera, oratorio and light classical works, she will give voice to highlights such as Mozart’s playful Voi che sapete and Gounod’s enchanting Jewel Song. Marina graduated from Stellenbosch University in 2019 and went on to earn a Master’s degree in vocal studies cum laude from the Royal College of Music in September 2021 before returning to South Africa.

Visit wporchestra.com for more information.

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Top Events & Things to Do in Stellenbosch

With the Woordfees around the corner, we share highlights including the much anticipated Still Life exhibition.

Music fans can look forward to Louis Mhlanga on 7 October and Wie Is Bernoldus Niemand? on 8 October at The Daisy Jones Bar, with Spoegwolf that same day at the Jan Marais Nature Reserve. RAAF and Glaskas perform on 9 October at Daisy Jones, while on 10 October Jeremy Loops is at the Jan Marais Nature Reserve and Gert Vlok Nel at Daisy Jones.

The 2026 Endler Concert Series continues to charm with a programme of chamber music, choral concerts, orchestral performances, jazz, music competitions and visiting artists at the Endler Hall and Fismer Hall, Stellenbosch University Konservatorium. 

Enjoy weekend feasts at the Market in the Garden and Blaauwklippen Family Market on Saturdays and Sundays while Babylonstoren hosts workshops on composting, gardening, mushrooms, nuts and so much more – click here to be inspired.

The whales have made their return to our shores. While Hermanus remains a popular land-based whale-watching destination, places like Boyes Drive, Chapman’s Peak, and Clarence Drive between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els are good for Southern rights, and you may spot Bryde’s whales and humpbacks in the mix.

Further afield De Kelders, Gansbaai and the De Hoop Nature Reserve are less crowded top spots this time of year, with Dyer Island Cruises running boat trips out of Kleinbaai harbour near Gansbaai if you want to get closer than shore allows.

The Franschhoek Classic Car Festival returns 3-4 October with a lineup of classic and supercars. Look out for the special showcases celebrating 75 years of Formula One, Mercedes-Benz, and the VW Golf GTI along with curated displays featuring Land Rover, Vespa, MG, BMW, and a Ford Perana tribute.

Event Details

• Dates: 3–4 October 2026
• Time: Starts at 10:00 daily
• Venue: Huguenot Monument, 13 Lambrechts Rd, Franschhoek
• Admission: R250 per adult; children under 18 enter free when accompanied by a paying adult

Main Attractions

Parades: Daily classic and supercar parades along Huguenot Street / Main Road.

Forty of the Finest: Signature display of 40 iconic pre-1995 vehicles from 40 different brands.

Trail Running & MTB

Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just an excuse to be outside before the coffee kicks in, here’s what’s happening on the trails this month.

The popular Fairview Goat Run on Saturday 10 October winds through the Fairview farm and surrounding Paarl landscape, over 5km to 28km trails.

The TrailFun Thank You Run on 16 October at Mitre’s Edge in Stellenbosch features 5 and 10km trails.

The FullDay6K Endurance Event 31 October – 1 November in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, is a challenging 24-hour endurance trail event featuring a 6.7km loop run hourly, supporting local mental health initiatives.

Garden Town Vineyard Run at Neethlingshof on 31 October has runs over 7km, 16km, 25km or 36km.

The Otto1890 Weekend Warrior hosts two epic days of mountain biking at the Lourensford Estate. on 17-18 October 2026.

The Jordan Run & Ride for Renosterveld hosts a 34km MTB and 6km fun run on 25 October 2026 in suppport of the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy trails.

The FNB Wines2Whales wraps up at the Lourensford Wine Estate on 15 November 2026.

Regain your serenity at the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, ideal for reflective mornings or just a coffee in the lovely surrounds. Look out for the Market in the Garden on Saturdays, 09:00–15:00.

The Stellenbosch University Museum hosts a trove of more than 6,000 items ranging from art, cultural, historical, and scientific objects from across the continent. Look out for the Maggie Laubser at 140 exhibition featuring the largest collection of the centenarian artists’ works along with weekly Wednesday Museum Walkabouts between 13:00 and 14:00, exploring the various collections, at 52 Ryneveld Street.

The Bliss Family Festival bringing together live music, globally inspired food and outdoor experiences in one full-day family event featuring a food market, picnic-style spaces, creative activities and immersive outdoor play, with experiences suited to children of all ages. Artists includes Jeremy Loops, Arno Carstens and Raaf and takes place at La Paris Estate in Franschhoek on Saturday, 31 October 2026, Bliss is designed to capture the atmosphere of a summer music festival in an easy, family-friendly format. Click here for more information.

Woordfees 2026

Die 2026 Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees-program is 11 Junie by Asara-wynlandgoed in die Eikestad bekend gestel tydens ’n voorskougeleentheid. Vanjaar se feestema is “Dis hoog tyd”, en met 444 uiteenlopende programitems in 11 afdelings is daar ’n rede vir almal om 3-11 Oktober Stellenbosch toe te kom.

Public Art

Stellenbosch’s streets and public spaces come alive with Dreamscapes, an outdoor art exhibition curated by Dr Mike Mavura and featuring over 250 masterpieces. Wander through town to explore sculptures that transform sidewalks and building walls into playful encounters, each piece offering new perspectives in colour, shape, and story.

Stellenbosch Wine Tasting & Wine Bars

The Stellenbosch Wine Routes (there’s five) offers great immersive experience across a range of wines and terroirs. Tastings unfold at an unhurried pace and often include vintage cuvées and cellar insights rather than party pop. Also look out for the lovely wine bars in town.

Touring Art Galleries in Stellenbosch

Explore GUS , SMAC, the Rupert Museum or smaller independent galleries in town, then follow it up with a coffee on Church Street while the town hums softly around you.

Hiking Trails and Nature Walks

Beat the heat with a sunrise walk in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, a gentle ramble through the Stellenbosch Botanical Garden and the lovely Stellenbosch Art Mile when the air is cool and the mountain light is at its best.

Stellenbosch Attractions: Markets & Family Outings

The Blaauwklippen Market on Saturday and Sundays is a pet-friendly, relaxed market atmosphere with wine and food stalls. Click here for more.

The lovely Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden hosts a Market in the Garden every Saturday 9:00–15:00 and Yoga in the Garden 8:00–9:00 ( book with razelle@sun.ac.za). Take a guided tour or visit the Botanical Café and enjoy a bite in the courtyard, on the patio overlooking the fern house or inside a historical building.

Movies Under the Stars

The Galileo Open Air Cinema invites you to enjoy a magical outdoor movie experience underneath a canopy of stars throughout the year!

Click here for more information and movie line-ups.

First Thursdays

The popular First Thursdays initiative has expanded to Stellenbosch. Events are concentrated around Church Street, and include over 15 participating art spaces, design stores, and wine bars within a few blocks. Participating art spaces include Oude Leeskamer, SMAC Gallery, GUS, Art by Mies, Vincent Da Silva Gallery, Art on Church Gallery, and Art & Wine Lounge.

Design stores to visit include the likes of SAD, Made In Africa, Me&B, Stellenbosch Books and Courage, and participating bars and restaurants include Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar, Wijnhuis, and De Warenmarkt.

Click here for more.

Visit a Pet-Friendly Wine Farm

For wine lovers who can’t bear to leave their furry friends behind, Stellenbosch boasts a range of dog-friendly wine farms. Here, you and your canine companion can enjoy stunning scenery, exceptional wines, and warm hospitality together.

See our lineup of pet-friendly wine farms here.

Walk the Stellenbosch Art Mile

Nestled along the Eerste River, the Stellenbosch Art Mile is an outdoor gallery like no other, offering a dynamic collection of interactive art installations and sensory experiences that evolve over time.

Walk the Stellenbosch Art Mile from the Eerste Kafee’s starting point.

Hiking and Mountain Biking around Stellenbosch

The Jonkershoek Mountains, just outside town, offer beautiful vistas, birding, picnicking, rewarding walks and cycling trails. Here are five of the best hiking trails to explore in Stellenbosch’s mountains. The Stellenbosch Hiking Club offers an exciting schedule of hikes throughout the region. Mountain bikers are reminded to invest in a Wine Lands Regional Permit that allows year-round access to 1,300km of first-rate mountain trails in and around Stellenbosch.

Local Wine Bars

Stellenbosch’s wine bars are the new vibe in the historic town centre. We share our favourite spots for enjoying local wines, taking in the unique atmosphere and excellent fare of each bar en route.

Family-Friendly Activities

While our region is famous for its picturesque vineyards and award-winning wineries, several family-friendly farms offer unique experiences for families, so parents can enjoy the lovely setting while their children enjoy a variety of activities.

Food & Wine

South Africa’s second oldest town is slowly surpassing its wine reputation to become a fully fledged gastronomic destination. If the promise of five wine routes, consisting of more than a hundred wineries, is not enough, a range of top-tier restaurants, wine bars, eateries, markets and food experiences are making this region that go-to destination for epicureans around the globe.

Explore our full directory of Stellenbosch Restaurants & Wine Farms

Outdoor Activities

Stellenbosch is a fantastic destination for those who love getting out in the open air, engaging in physical activity and appreciating the charms of Mother Nature, thanks to a combination of its natural geography and year-round clement weather. Enjoy outdoor pursuits in and around Stellenbosch; think hiking, cycling, running or golf. Read more.

Discover more Stellenbosch Outdoor Activities & Trails

Essential Places to Visit in Stellenbosch

From Oom Samie se Winkel to the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, Stellenbosch’s to-do list is as plentiful as its sunny days. We offer our list of what to do in Stellenbosch for the time-smart traveller. Discover fine art, natural wonders, performing arts spaces and so much more.

Appreciate Art

Stellenbosch boasts a high concentration of art museums and private galleries scattered across town, extending to wine estates and private gardens. You’ll find fine art in public and private spaces, along with blockbuster exhibitions like the Stellenbosch Triennale featuring contemporary art from Africa.

Browse our complete guide to Stellenbosch Art Galleries & Scene

Stay Over

Make the most of your visit to Stellenbosch by staying over. With a range of fine hospitality establishments, there’s something for everyone. Here is our list of some of the hidden gems that justify a visit all by themselves.

View recommended Stellenbosch Travel Guides & Accommodation

Want to be part of our THINGS TO DO line-up? Send an email to digital@stellenboschvisio.co.za.

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Huis van sand
Dit sal niemand verbaas dat die wenner van die Reinet Nagtegaal-teksprys, Huis van sand, ’n hoë golf ry nie. “Jy as gehoorlid wil dalk dít wat voor jou afspeel ignoreer of afmaak as fiksie, maar die feite laat nie met hulle stry nie. Daarom wéét jy die uiteinde gaan tragies wees en deur nog geweld geken word.” – Marina Griebenow, INK. 
Met Tinarie van Wyk Loots, René Cloete, Kristen Raath, Jefferson J. Dirks-Korkee
Tot 17 Oktober | Koop kaartjies | Lees resensie

Zoid Psalms
’n Nuwe musikale ervaring met ’n grensverskuiwende samesmelting van heilige en moderne klanke wag in Zoid Psalms, ’n produksie wat sy gelyke nie ken nie. Kom geniet die mengsel van ikoniese kerkorrel en die sensasionele energie van Karen Zoid se rock-kitare in ’n unieke produksie wat ouwêreldse instrumentasie en kontemporêre musiek verken. 
Tot 19 Oktober | Koop kaartjies

Kinderlê
“Lynthia Julius se Kinderlê bring ’n stuk Namakwalandse geskiedenis uit 1867 terug na die lig. Is rof en spiritueel, die tipe teater wat jou nie troos nie, maa laat onthou,” skryf Chase Rhys op INK.
Met Miché van Wyk, Theodore Jantjies, Lynette du Plessis, Damian Jacobs
Tot 19 Oktober | Koop kaartjies | Lees resensie

‘KUNS’
“Yasmina Reza se Art kô Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees toe as ‘KUNS’ met Naòmi Morgan se skêp vertaling en met Marthinus Basson as regisseur en ontwerper,” skryf Chase Rhys op INK. “Die Adam Small-ouditorium was vol ennie gehoo vasgenael. Die set-up bly simple. Drie ou vriende pluk aan mekaa tot die vriendskap begin ytrafel, all because een van hulle ’n duur stuk kuns gekoepit.” Met Wessel Pretorius, Ludwig Binge, Wilhelm van der Walt
Tot 19 Oktober | Koop kaartjies | Lees resensie

Magda en haar Erhard: How “Louw” can you go?
“As jy gedink het die anekdotes van dié twee ou mense is staties, wag ’n verrassing op jou,” terg Elretha Britz in haar resensie op Netwerk24. Magda en Erhard het ’n goeie show beplan wat dalk selfs vir ’n prys benoem kan word. Maar die ou man vergeet heeltyd waar hy moet inkom en arme Magda moet net vure doodslaan. 
Met Desiré Gardner, Hannes van Wyk
Tot 16 Oktober 18:30 | Koop kaartjies | Lees resensie

The Barber of Seville
“As jy gedink het Die barbier van Sevilla is ’n opera wat nie enigsins meer camp kan raak nie, is jy verkeerd,” sê Naudé van der Merwe op INK. “In Kaapstad Opera se jongste weergawe van Rossini se immergewilde opera is elke liewe aksie, van elk van die etlike karakters, oordrewe tot op die punt van absurditeit, maar in die buitelug by Spier se amfiteater het dit so natuurlik gevoel soos die soel naglug met Sondag se openingsaand.” 
Met William Berger, Megan Kahts en 14 ander sangers van Kaapstad Opera
Tot 16 Oktober 19:30 | Koop kaartjies | Lees resensie

Boesman en Lena
Boesman en Lena is twee hawelose randfigure – uitgelewer aan mekaar, die elemente en ’n politieke bestel wat hulle nie ag nie. Athol Fugard se ikoniese stuk bied ’n boeiende blik op die kompleksiteit van verhoudings en maatskaplike ongeregtigheid. “Elke stilte, elke asemhaling, dra betekenis en laat die gehoor voel hoe die drang na oorlewing en menslikheid teen die wreedheid van die stelsel baklei,” skryf Kelly-Lee Ohlson op Netwerk24.
Met Veronique Jephtas, Brendon Daniels, Tshamano Sebe
Tot 19 Oktober | Koop Kaartjies | Lees resensie

Liefde, Lafras
Liefde, Lafras word beskryf as ’n gevoelvolle reis wat jou met ’n dieper begrip vir menswees en verlange laat, afgewissel met humor en romanse van mense wat mekaar ’n leeftyd ken. 
Met Antoinette Kellermann, Gerben Kamper
Tot 19 Oktober | Koop kaartjies | Lees resensie

Toyota Musiekfees-opelugkonserte
Jy kan nog uitsien na die volgende Toyota Musiekfees-opelugkonserte in die Jan Marais-natuurreservaat – jou musiekkuier onder die Stellenbosch-sterre. Bring jou kampstoel, piekniekmandjie en baadjie.
– Roan Ash & Brandon Miles | 17 Oktober 19:00
– Early B & Salome | 18 Oktober 19:30
– Mandisi Dyantyis | 19 Oktober 19:00
Koop kaartjies

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Die Totota Stellenbosch Woordfees hou weer heerlike lente met meer as 400 ongeëwenaarde aanbiedings in nagenoeg 60 venues in en om die Eikestad: van die danser Gregory Maqoma se vaarweloptrede en ’n regte-egte Picasso in die vertoonkas, tot verkwikkende staptoere rondom die Bos – van die hart van die fees in Ryneveldstraat af tot in die Middedorp, óm die Braak en deur Idasvallei.

Daar is 12 afdelings op die program: die EasyEquities Skrywersfees, Visuele kuns, Klassieke musiek, Diskoers, Toyota Musiekfees, Komedie, Leefstyl, Filmfees, Dans, Toneel, Kinderfees en die WOW-fees.

Vanjaar se feestema is Speel, “wat nuwe moontlikhede ontsluit, wêrelde ontdek, en jou op onontginde plekke plaas waar jy net spontaan in die oomblik kan wees,” sê Saartjie Botha, direkteur van die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees.

“Om te kan speel, moet jy die pause-knoppie druk – halfgebak speel, is kroek. Speel vra totale oorgawe, verbeelding, en gewoonlik maats. Speel is ’n dans met die werklikheid, van ’n wêreld wat is, maar ook ’n wêreld wat word. Waar ander reëls geld, waar die onmoontlike haalbaar en selfs moeiteloos word.”

SPEELSHEID EN SPONTANEÏTEIT IN KUNSKYK

Die feeskunstenaar vir 2024 is die skilder en kleibeeldhouer Marlene Steyn. Haar benadering en kuns laat weergalm die feestema in die helder kleure, fantasie en vindingryke vorms waarmee sy droomagtige landskappe optower. Haar werk moedig ook waarnemers aan om hulle te verlustig in ’n eie speelsheid waarvan hulle dikwels nie eens bewus was nie. Sy bied vir die duur van die fees ’n uitstalling aan van haar werke wat al by verskeie versamelings en onlangse uitstallings ingesluit is, soos Home Bodies by die SMAC-galery op Stellenbosch en NON‑PLACES in die Powerlong-kunssentrum in Shanghai, China. Die uitstalling vind in die US Museum plaas en Marlene neem op 2 Oktober ook aan ’n gesprek oor haar werk deel in die US Museum-anneks.

Later is sy weer in aksie in Breath Of Gaia: Exhibition And Fashion Show, waarin sy en die ontwerper Lezanne Viviers mode deur die lens van uitvoerkuns verken.
In Picasso, Pinotage And Piano: A Sunset Celebration of Art, Music and Wine vang die sangeres Karen Petersen in ’n toonsetting die tentoonstelling van ’n outentieke Picasso in die Oude Leeskamer vas.

SPEELKAMERSESSIES MET BERTUS BASSON

Die stersjef Bertus Basson, bekend om TV-reekse soos In die sop, Ultimate Braaimaster en Kokkedoor, bied weer sy gewilde speelkamersessies aan. Kom beleef ’n kookdemonstrasie in sy hoogaangeskrewe Eike-restaurant waar hy spesialiseer in eg Suid-Afrikaanse geregte met ’n kreatiewe kinkel. Gaste sit ná die demonstrasie ook aan by ’n heerlike feestafel. Kaartjies na dié sessies kos R1 300. Vroegtydige besprekings word aangeraai.

Die Idasvalleigemeenskap bied ’n spesiale staptoer deur hul historiese, kultuurryke én biodiverse woonbuurt op Stellenbosch aan saam met die Walking by Faith Ladies. Gaste word verwelkom met koffie en tuisgemaakte koesisters of roosterkoek, waarna die toergids deelnemers meer vertel oor dié eiesoortige buurt en natuurgebied. Elkeen kry ’n inheemse boom om te plant in die natuurgebied wat deel vorm van die Idasvallei-gemeenskapsroete, deur die Wêreld Ekonomiese Forum as ’n top-innovasieprogram aangewys.

BEELDHOU IN DIE BEELDSKOON

’n Magiese natuurervaring wag in die Dylan Lewis-beeldetuin, waar 60 werke van dié beeldhouer ten toon gestel word. Hanlé Hill begelei ’n tuinwandeling met toegang tot kuns, ateljees en tuine. Let wel, die tuinpaadjies is ongelyk en met los gruis bedek, en dus gevaarlik vir diegene wat moeilik stap. Daar is geen parkeerplek by die tuin nie; gaste vertrek om 09:00 en 14:30 – ’n halfuur voor elke toer – per bussie van die Kochstraat-pendeldienshalte af.

DIE BESTE PLEK OM DIE BAL AAN ROL TE SIT – AAN DIE LANGTAFEL

Tussen die pragtige ou geboue van Ryneveldstraat word die Langtafel weer onder die bottende eike gedek – met feestelike kos en gesellige gaste wat glasies klink. Vanjaar verskaf kinkelkok Johnny Hamman die aand se spesiale spyskaart, wat alles oor kole voorberei word. Bespreek vroegtydig jou plek aan dié geliefde tafel.
Kaartjies na die Langtafel kos R1 200, met ’n afslagprys van R1 000 as jy voor 1 Augustus jou plek bespreek. Dit sluit ’n driegangete in en gaste word begroet met ’n glas wyn of borrels met die komplimente van Alto-wynlandgoed, Blaauwklippen, Dorp St Wine en Spier van die Stellenbosch-wynroetes.

Daar is 30 ander aanbiedings op die Leefstylprogram waarmee jy jou lewenslus kan verfris. Jy kan gaan stap, draf, twee-in-een kry met tuin-en-kuns-kyk, kookdemonstrasies bywoon, argitektuurtoere meemaak en alles proe en geniet wat die Wynlande en die Eikestad se koskultuur bied. Stellenbosch is ’n skatkis vol stories wat dikwels uit die dorp se interessante ou geboue opgediep kan word. Die kultuurhistorikus, Matilda Burden, sal jou met nuwe oë na die hart van die Eikestad laat kyk met staptoere na die dorp se argitektoniese juwele. Twee roetes word op alternatiewe dae aangebied, naamlik ’n verkenning van die middedorp en ’n wandeling om die Braak.

Albei toere vertrek van die Erfurthuis in Ryneveldstraat.

KLEURGLASVENSTERS

Die orrelis Zorada Temmingh van die Stellenbosse Moederkerk bied nuwe, verrassende interpretasiemoontlikhede van die simboliek van dié gebou se kleurglasvensters – veel meer as dít wat opgeteken is sedert die installasie van die eerste vensters byna 50 jaar gelede.

Oor son en sterre, duiwe en druiwe, visse en vlamme, windpomp en weerlig, kandelaar en kers – watter verhaal fluister die kleurglasvensters van die Moederkerk? Kuns in openbare ruimtes, kenmerkend van Stellenbosch se ryke kultuuromge- wing, kan ook te voet verken word.

Pule Dhoti en Hanlé Hill bied Kuns op straat aan, waar die besigtiging van wêreldbekende kunstenaars se handewerk nie beperk word tot die binnekant van geboue nie; dit kan deur almal op ons sypaadjies en in ons parke waardeer
word – gratis. Op dié begeleide toer sien jy beelde van nader en hoor meer oor
die agtergrond van elke werk waarby ’n mens so dikwels net verbystap.

Langs die Eersterivier kan jy ’n gratis sonsondergangstaptoer geniet op die pasgeopende Stellenbosch-kunsmyl, waar kreatiwiteit en natuur dinamies saamvloei. Die kunsmyl se 2024-’25-uitstalling,

Tapyt van tyd, word saamgestel deur Clara Babette. Gevierde kunstenaars
se werk besin oor die uitgestrekte geologiese tydperke wat die omliggende landskap gevorm het, sowel as oor die historiese ontwikkeling van Stellenbosch. Die staptoer begin by Eerste Kafee in Suidwalstraat. RSG-omroepers Martelize Brink en Johan Rademan saai Driesestig weer regstreeks uit by Die Khaya-kafee om jou op die hoogte van sake te hou. Hulle gesels met mense wat ’n verskil maak en ’n interessante storie het om te vertel. Kom gesels gratis saam.

AANDAG KUNSVERSAMELAARS – GROOT ÉN KLEIN

Die jaarlikse kunsuitstalling en -veiling van die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, in samewerking met Strauss & Co, vind vir die duur van die fees in die Stellenbosse stadsaal plaas.

Teresa Lizamore is die kurator van die uitstalling. Die kunswerke waarop vanjaar gebie kan word, sluit werke in van gevestigde én opkomende kunstenaars. Bieërs kan op hul persoonlike toestel aanlyn in die stadsaal bie óf van enige ander plek af.

Die res van die kunsprogram is op woordfees.co.za beskikbaar waar ’n PDF van die volledige feesgids in Afrikaans en Engels afgelaai kan word. Besoek gerus ook die webwerf om te sien watter produksies bekendes opgewonde maak.

Die gedrukte feesgids is gratis by die Woordfeeskantoor in die Erfurthuis (Ryneveldstraat 37, Stellenbosch) te kry en ook by verskeie biblioteke, boekwinkels, toeristeburo’s en gastehuise in die Wes-Kaap. Kaartjies is by Quicket te koop. V

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The final weekend of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival features large scale orchestral works performed by the Festival Symphony Orchestra, the Festival Concert Orchestra, and the newly formed Festival Symphonic Wind Orchestra, all performing in the wonderful acoustics of the much-loved, Endler Hall.

The SICMF’s orchestral concerts kick-off on Friday 10 July with the Festival Symphony Orchestra under the baton of the Grammy-award winning Czech-American conductor, Michael Repper. Repper’s charisma and empathy with the South African music students as well as his rapport with the audience are just some of the reasons he’ll be making this third visit to the SICMF.

The FSO concerts on 10 and 12 July will open with the South African premiere of Antrópolis by the Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz (b. 1964). Ortiz’s eclectic musical style blends a wide variety of genres, including rock, Afro-Cuban music, and Mexican folk (her parents founded the well-known Mexican folk group Los Folkloristas). After the interval, the FSO will perform Mahler’s monumental first symphony nicknamed the ‘Titan’. The concert on 10 July will feature cellist David Cohen in Alfred Scnittke’s first cello concerto. Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998) is celebrated for his artistic-cultural trend of postmodernism. The concert on 12 July features violinist Miclen LaiPang and pianist Emanuil Ivanov in Mendelssohn’s effervescent concerto for piano and violin. Whilst the orchestral part of this concerto is most often performed in the version for strings only, the FCO will present Mendelssohn’s seldom heard own arrangement for strings and winds, which he ultimately seems to have preferred to the original.

Kärin Hendrickson will be making her South African debut as conductor of the Festival Concert Orchestra on Saturday 11 July. Kärin says, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the artistic team of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival.  It is a phenomenal festival bringing together outstanding professional faculty from around the world. Aside from all the fantastic professional concerts, having world-class players from major orchestras or chamber groups coaching the sections of the student orchestras will provide a remarkable experience for our young players.” The FCO will be performing a selection from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, music from Bizet’s Carmen, and Bruch’s much loved first violin concerto with SICMF faculty artist, Siwoo Kim. This concert will be repeated in the Groendal Community, Franschhoek Hall at 12-noon on Sunday 13 July.

For the first time in the history of the SICMF, its programme includes the Festival Symphonic Wind Orchestra which caters for the large number of flute, clarinet and saxophone participants amongst others. The FSWO will be conducted by local saxophonist and conductor, Liam Burden, who has chosen an ambitious programme of specialized music for this new ensemble. Their concert at 17:00 on 10 July will include music by the British composer Philip Sparke (b. 1951) whose name has become synonymous with contemporary composition for wind bands and brass ensembles, the American composer Eric Whitacre (b. 1970) who is widely recognised for a style that is both cinematic and atmospheric, the jazz musician Paul Hart (b. 1954) who has an extensive background in writing music for film and television, and our very own local composer Lize Briel (b. 1999) who made history as the first woman to win the Alexander South African Composers’ Award. The evening’s performance will be rounded off with a performance of Paris Sketches by British composer Martin Ellerby (b. 1957).

Tickets and full concert programmes are available from www.sicmf.co.za as well as through Webtickets.

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WHEN THE TWELVE young opera stars competing in Operalia dazzled the audience on 5 November 2023 at Artscape, it marked an evening of firsts, not only for Cape Town, but for all of South Africa. It was also a first for the streaming platform Medici.tv, with a record 120000 people from all five continents sharing in the event.

I had the privilege of being present at the thrilling event, listening to Operalia founder, Maestro Plácido Domingo, the world‐renowned Spanish tenor‐baritone, sing the praises of the stellar line‐up of competitors as well as of Cape Town.

To crown the event, Domingo, who also chaired the panel of adjudicators, conducted the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO). His performance testified to the talent and remarkable stamina of this silver‐haired 82‐year‐old.

Thirty years ago, Domingo initiated the competition to bring attention to upcoming opera singers and secure invitations for stars of the future on the world’s most famous opera stages. The competition has been presented in cities like London, Paris, Madrid, Hamburg, Tokyo, and Milan.

“Operalia only chooses cities with a good international orchestra, and we are the only city in Africa that could guarantee, within two days of announcing the finalists, that we would have been able to rehearse the music for the final gala concert,” recounts Louis Heyneman, artistic director and chief executive of the CPO. “When the organisers asked us a year ago to present the competition, I did not think twice.”

The grand affair featured 34 singers from 15 countries out of more than 800 applicants. Only 22 reached the semi‐finals, and eventually, 12 finalists advanced to the last round.

Choosing Cape Town was synchronistic. “Only a few days after South Africa was crowned as the World Cup champion on the rugby field, the mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill‐Lewis, in jest referred to Operalia as the ‘World Cup of Opera’,” Louis says with a chuckle.

Two of South Africa’s foremost singers, Pretty Yende, from eMkhondo (Piet Retief) in Mpumalanga, and the tenor from the Free State, Levy Sekgapane from Maokeng (Kroonstad), won in 2011 and 2017 respectively. Today, they conquer hearts worldwide – from La Scala to the Met.

Some of the world’s most famous present opera singers like curly‐top heartthrob, tenor Rolando Villazón, American mezzo‐soprano Joyce DiDonato, and the fiery Russian soprano Aida Garifullina, to name just a few, are Operalia’s ‘discoveries’. Last year’s South African finalists, Nombulelo Yende (32) and mezzo‐soprano Siphokazi Molteno (31), enchanted the audience.

Everyone had hoped that Yende would follow in her big sister’s footsteps. And shine she did, also in her silver creation.

With an aria from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, she won the special Cultur Arte Award. Molteno smouldered in a black dress and drew loud applause. She received an encouragement award as a finalist in the zarzuela category for a song by Ruperto Chapi. Domingo’s parents, by the way, were well‐known zarzuela singers. This Spanish opera style is also a category in the Operalia competition.

The 26‐year‐old French soprano Julie Roset was the overall winner of the competition among female singers, and the South Korean bass Stephano Park (26) won the male section. Roset and Park each won $30 000 (about R570 000). Eugénie Joneau (28), also from France, was the female singer winner in the zarzuela category with her rendition of the Chapi song. The Armenian baritone Navard Hakobyan (25), winner of the male section of this category, enchanted the audience with his Amor, vida de mi vida.

Magdalene Minnaar, artistic director of Cape Town Opera, was the only judge from Africa on the Operalia panel. According to her, Domingo couldn’t stop talking about the quality of South African talent.

“I realised again that, although South Africa is so far from Europe and America, the hub of opera, we don’t have to stand back or play second fiddle.Just think of the 35th Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition for young opera singers, which took place in Cape Town in 2016. “To present two acclaimed opera competitions proves that South Africa is of world class and can compete with opera houses in Paris, New York, Berlin, Sydney, Tokyo – just name it,” Minnaar says.

Last year Minnaar was one of four women and five men on Operalia’s panel of judges, the ‘blue blood’ of the international opera world. The other adjudicators were Peter Mario Katona, director of casting at the Royal Opera House in London; Samuel Gelber, creative director at the Washington National Opera and the Kennedy Centre; Jonathan Friend, artistic adviser of the Metropolitan Opera House and the Irish National Opera; David Lomeli, chief artistic officer at the Santa Fe Opera, tenor and alumnus of several renowned training programmes for opera stars; Robert Körner, casting director at Wiener Staatsoper; Carolin Wielpütz, director of artistic administration at MusikTheater an der Wien; Annette Weber, director of opera at Opernhaus Zürich; and Evamaria Wieser, director of the Young Singers Project at the Salzburg Festival and European casting consultant for the Opera of Chicago.

“Surrealistic,” is how Minnaar describes the experience “to breathe the same air as one of the greatest tenors of all time, to ask him questions. He is so approachable,” she says about Domingo. “To see how people handle opera companies in the rest of the world and to network, stand us as South Africans in good stead.”

Heyneman says CPO and Cape Town Opera broadcasted short promotional videos on Medici.tv during the competition, boosting Cape Town and South Africa’s international image.

How can one ever forget the Maestro’s sexy Spanish accent in which he referred to “your beautiful Mother City” in his speech?

Operalia certainly did wonders for South African tourism. “Participants as well as adjudicators are begeistert by South Africa’s beauty and want to visit our country again and work here,” says Minnaar.

So does Domingo. One of his well‐known quotes is: “I hope I have given back half the joy music has given me.” More than half, Maestro, much, much more! V

* Operalia is part of the Rolex Perpetual Arts Initiative in which the latter supports leading artists and invests in the long term in the cultural and artistic heritage of the arts.

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This year’s Solo Studios, an artistic showpiece, has seamlessly integrated itself into the South African art diary with the introduction of the Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra. For the very first time, a full Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra will be heard in the historic building of the Riebeek Kasteel NG Church.

In addition, the local Steelband, which has become an institution over the last 25 years for performing at events, will also play, with the two orchestras performing music together – a new overture composed by Kristi Boonzaaier, as well as arrangements by Boonzaaier of music that the Steelband has previously performed solo numerous times.

Solo Symphony is one of the new additions to Solo Studios this year and it promises to conclude this weekend, already an institution in the South African art diary and filled with visual arts, wine art, culinary art, literary art, art lectures and short films, on a high note.

The Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra, with its more than 50 members, is led by founder Reghardt Kühn.

He explains that during last year’s Solo Studios weekend, he visited the valley with Boonzaaier and saw the Steelband perform. Right there, he said he would one day perform with them. And now this is being realised.

Kühn grew up with music and played in the Natal Youth Orchestra during his final years at Empangeni. It was there that his love for music and the role it can play in communities took hold.

He started with brass instruments such as the euphonium and trombone, obtained his BMus and MMus degrees at Stellenbosch University, and nowadays, he is not only the conductor of the Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra but also a music teacher at Paarl Boys High School and leads the school’s brass ensemble.

In addition to providing a unique and exclusive art experience for visitors each year, Solo Studios has been involved in contributing to the community since its first year in 2016, including the Riebeek Valley Steelband, a community project led by David Wickham, from the outset as one of the beneficiaries.

Wickham explains that he started the Riebeek Valley Steelband 25 years ago shortly after he and his family moved to the Swartland.

The current orchestra is already the fourth “version,” and over the years, more than 100 young children, particularly from poorer communities, have expressed their musical talent through this orchestra.

Meanwhile, the demand for steel bands in the valley is increasing, and there are already three more steel bands under his leadership – at the For Life Centre, Hermon, and Môrester/Ebenezer farms – with another one also in the pipeline.

Wickham says the difference it makes in the children’s lives is noticeable. They also don’t care where they perform, as long as they can play.

For the Solo Symphony Concert, it is now intense rehearsal for the newly arranged and existing music.

Kühn says his goal with the Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra, most of whose members have other professions and play in the orchestra as part of their passion, is to make classical music more accessible and break down the stigma that it is too stiff and formal.

He also wants to bring music to people and communities who otherwise wouldn’t have access to it. The orchestra primarily plays music that is not heard as often.

At Solo Symphony, guests can look forward to works that align with the theme of visual arts, such as the Russian Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.

There is also the brilliant Frenchman Camille Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre with a violin solo by Eriel Huang.

Tickets for the Solo Symphony Concert are now available at www.solostudios.co.za. To truly immerse oneself in this weekend of artistic enchantment, visitors are encouraged to explore the Solo Studios Intimate Art Encounters passes, available for purchase on the website.

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JÜRGEN VON WECHMAR se naam het jy dalk nog nie gehoor nie, maar luister jy enigsins na musiek – van heavy metal, rock, blues, jazz, Afrikaans, pop, hip-hop tot Bach se klassieke orrelkantates – het jy gewis een van die opnames gehoor wat deur hom geskep is. In sy private Sunset Recording Studios op die eertydse familieplaas, Wechmarshof, in die Banhoekvallei buite Stellenbosch, het tallose Suid- Afrikaanse en internasionale kunstenaars se skeppinge reeds die lig gesien.

“Ek is die droomvanger van die musiekkunstenaars – hetsy sangers, groepe of instrumentaliste – wat saam met my werk. Ek wil hê dat mense wat by my laat opneem die hoogste mate van sukses behaal,” beskryf Jürgen sy rol as musiekvervaardiger en klankingenieur.

Jürgen het in 1996 sy debuut as musiekvervaardiger gemaak toe hy sy progressiewe rockgroep, Ark, se musiek opgeneem het in die kaasfabriek wat sy Duitse immigrante-grootouers, Edith en Bernard von Wechmar, op Wechmarshof gevestig het. Jürgen, sy vrou, Armanda, en hul twee dogters, Mia en Karla, woon steeds hier op die plaas waar skaars klipkersbome al honderde jare lank tydsaam in ’n klein kolonie groei.

Sou ’n mens sedert Ark se opname ál met die alfabet langs af gaan, is daar letterlik vir elke letter van A tot Z ’n Suid- Afrikaanse of internasionale kunstenaar wie se musiekdroom gestalte gekry het in die toenmalige kaasfabriek wat sedertdien ’n aanskoulike argitektoniese gedaanteverwisseling onder- gaan het. Hieronder tel van aKING, Albert Frost, Beatenberg, Breyten Breytenbach se Mondmusiek en Beaufort-Wes se Beautiful Woorde van Gert Vlok Nel, Die Heuwels Fantasties, François van Coke, Fokofpolisiekar, Koos Kombuis, Lesley Rae Dowling, Lize Beekman, Ollie Viljoen en Nico Carstens se trekklaviere, Springbok Nude Girls en Spoegwolf, Theuns Jordaan, Toya Delazy se popmusiek en Valiant Swart tot opnames van Zorada Temmingh se kerkorreluitvoerings in Stellenbosch se Moederkerk.

Sy eie rockgroep

Dis onder meer danksy sy begaafdheid as musiekingenieur en sy respek vir elke lied of komposisie dat Jürgen ’n uitverkorene in die musiekbedryf is. Met ’n graad in elektroniese ingenieurswese beskik hy oor diepgaande kennis van elektronika. Hy is ook ’n kitaarspeler en liedskrywer wat jare lank saam met sy rockgroep, Ark, op die grootste Suid- Afrikaanse feesverhoë opgetree en nasionale speellyste gehaal het.

As musiekvervaardiger wat al saamgewerk het met inter- nasionale kunstenaars soos Snoop Lion, Big Sean, die Noorweër Mari Boine (een van die laaste sangers van ’n uitsterwende Sámi-taal) en Winston Marshall (voormalige lid van Mumford & Sons), skort hy sy voorkeure op wanneer hy musiek opneem.

“Wanneer jy met respek luister, sê ’n song vir jou wat dit benodig. Jy moet die líéd dien,” glo hy.

“Kom ’n musiekkunstenaar na my toe met ’n lied of komposisie, word dit ook mý lied of musiek. Ek span op elke gebied met die kunstenaar saam om die héél beste weer- gawe daarvan vas te lê. Ek leer by elke kunstenaar iets.”

Daar moet genot aan die skeppingsproses wees, glo hy. “Ek wil ’n omgewing skep waarin mense hulself kan uitdruk.” Dikwels kom bly oorsese kunstenaars in die twee weelderige gastehuise, Noem-noem en Balderjan, om musiek te skryf en saam met Jürgen op te neem.

Dis asof ’n stelinkleder op Wechmarshof ’n toneel uit ’n oopvousprokiesboek geskep het. Die werk- en blyplekke kyk aan die voorkant uit oor die plaas se velde waar ’n trop van byna tagtig springbokke saam met perde voor die op- stalle en ateljee wei. Op die gesigseinder kom die Groot Drakenstein-gebergtes van Franschhoek se kant af met Stellenbosch se Botmaskop en die Stellenboschberg in ’n aanskoulike amfiteater saam.

Dis in dié skoonheid en vredigheid waar hy woon en werk en grootgeword het.

Jürgen, die jongste kind van Ulrich en Bettie van die tweede geslag Von Wechmars in Suid-Afrika, is op Stellenbosch gebore. “Dit was ’n jôl!” onthou hy van sy kleintydjare op Wechmarshof en hul gesin se verblyf op Ceres waar hy op laerskool was. “Ek is ongelooflik bevoorreg om ’n sorgelose kindertyd te kon hê.”

Musiekgewys is van sy eerste herinneringe die geluk van die Oukersaande toe hul gesin by sy Duitse ouma Kers- liedere gesing het. “Ek het met klassieke musiek in ons huis grootgeword. My ma was besonder lief vir Mozart en Bach en Beethoven.” Danksy albei sy ouers se voorliefde vir opera het die Von Wechmar-gesin gereeld na uitvoerings in die destydse Nico Malan-teater in Kaapstad gaan luister.

Al het die klassieke kunstenaars hom geboei, wou Jürgen kleintyd ’n tromspeler wees. “My ma het vir my haar kastrolle as ’n tromstel uitgepak,” onthou hy. Toe hy later by sy ander ouma ’n radio present kry, het dit sy liefde vir musiek verder gestook. Hy en sy broer, Christian, was versot op die rockmusiek waarna hulle op Capital Radio 604 kon luister.

Sy eie kitaar

Maar vóór die opera-aande en sy ouma se geskenkradio onthou hy ’n ervaring tydens hul gesin se verblyf op ’n plaas digby Ceres as rigting-gewend. Op ’n plaaspartytjie wat hulle op ’n keer bygewoon het, het ’n orkesgroep – “’n live band” – gespeel. “Die kitaar wat deur die luid- sprekers gedreun het, het my ge-move. Ek kon die klank vóél!” Van toe af is Jürgen voortdurend op soek na klank wat hom deurspoel.

Nadat die gesin met sy laaste laerskooljaar teruggekeer het Stellenbosch toe en hulle weer op Wechmarshof gevestig het, het Jürgen in Paul Roos Gimnasium sy musiekgenoot, Pierre Snyman, ontmoet. Albei was onversadigbaar lief vir musiek. Saam het hulle na hul gun- stelinggroepe soos Metallica, Judas Priest en Def Leppard geluister.

Luister het speel geword toe Pierre en Jürgen eers hul eie kitare het. “Pierre s’n was ’n rooi Hondo en myne ’n wit Applause,” onthou Jürgen. “Met die paar drukke wat my suster, Elizabeth, vir my gewys het, het ons onsself leer speel en ons kitare laat ráás.” Kort voor lank is sy Applause-kitaar vervang en het hy sy begeerde en geliefde Gibson Les Paul met die hulp van sy pa gekry. Jürgen was nou in alle opsigte ’n rocker.

Nadat hy sy rockgroep se album ’n kwarteeu gelede op Wechmars- hof opgeneem het, het hy en sy Sunset Recording Studios met ver- loop van tyd indrukwekkende aansien in die musiekbedryf verwerf.

“Alles in sy ateljee en op die plaas werk net mee om dit elke keer ’n vredige en skeppende ervaring te maak,” sê François van Coke wat self ’n tuisateljee het, maar verkies om sy albums by Jürgen op te neem.

Oor Jürgen klink allerweë lofliedere op en uit Sunset Recording Studios kom lieflike musiek voort. Hy is ’n musikus met ’n sonder- linge vermoë om ’n lied of komposisie saam met die betrokke musiek- kunstenaar te interpreteer en op te neem. Daarby getuig kunstenaars van sy matelose ruimheid van gees en geduld.
Die pronkryk wat Duitse immigrante op Wechmarshof geskep het, is nie net ’n vesting vir Suid-Afrikaanse plante en diere nie. Dit is ook hier waar Jürgen von Wechmar besig is om die wêreld met sy begaafdheid as kunstenaar en as mens te verryk.

Jürgen vang drome en gee hulle wieke. Sy gawe is ’n inheemse skat en ’n gesogte uitvoerproduk. V

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The concerts schedule features a star-studded lineup of internationally acclaimed artists in various combinations.

For those who enjoy Baroque, Vivaldi’s concerto for violin, cello and string orchestra will feature the formidable couple of Daniel Rowland (violin) and Maja Bogdanović (cello) as soloists.

A newly published arrangement from Beethoven’s day of his fourth piano concerto will be played for the first time in South Africa by the award-winning pianist, Emanuil Ivanov. Ivanov, who wowed local audiences in SA last year, first attracted international attention after winning the 2019 Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition in Italy. Other gems from the Classical and early Romantic era include Mendelssohn’s third string quartet, Schubert’s “Trockne Blumen” and a seldom heard, but beautiful octet by Woldemar Bargiel.

The great late Romantic period will be represented by the likes of Dvořák’s second piano quintet, Saint-Saëns Caprice for winds and piano, and Taneyev’s momentous piano quintet in G minor.

Nina Schumann prides herself in presenting new music each year to the extent that the SICMF has secured an exclusive new music sponsor in the Ernst von Siemens Foundation in Switzerland. This year the SICMF has commissioned a world premiere from Pieter Bezuidenhout, which together with works by Caroline Shaw, Oswaldo Golijov, Jörg Windemann and Garth Knox will receive their South African premieres.

Returning stars from the past include Nicolas Dautricourt, Madeline Adkins and Andrey Baranov (violin), Boris Andrianov (cello), YaoGuang Zhai (clarinet), Dwight Parry (oboe), Marco Silva (trumpet) and Jauvon Gilliam (percussion). Newcomers include the sensational Russian flute virtuoso Ekaterina Kornishina, Ivy Ringel, the principal bassoonist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Fedor Belugin, violist of the internationally acclaimed David Oistrakh String Quartet, and the celebrated double bass player, Zoran Marković to name a few.

The last three concerts feature performances by the Festival Symphony and Festival Concert orchestras. The FSO under the baton of Michael Repper will perform Borodin’s great second symphony as well as accompanying the duo of Andrey Baranov and Boris Andrianov in the Brahms Double concerto on Friday 12 July and Jennifer Stumm in Bartok’s viola concerto on Sunday 15 July. Maestro Repper will be making his debut in South Africa. His album with the New York Youth Symphony, featuring debut recordings of works by Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, and Valerie Coleman reached #1 on the Billboard Chart, and won a Grammy® Award, marking the first time a youth orchestra has achieved this milestone. The main work on the FCO programme is Dvořák’s eighth symphony, one of the most beloved symphonies of all time. FCO conductor, Simeone Tartaglione, currently holds a number of positions in and around Washington DC. He will also be making his South African debut at the SICMF.

Whilst the coveted evening concerts of the SICMF attract the lion’s share of public attention, it is the rest of the daily programme that really speaks to the mission and vision of the festival. The SICMF is after all, a project of the Department of Music in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University. More than 90 student ensembles will partake at this year`s festival. 

Every day after lunch, the full programme of chamber music activities is open to the public with one hour student ensemble concerts taking place every day at 13:00 and 17:00, public master classes taking center stage at 15:00 and the vibrant and interactive “in Conversation with” lecture series at 19:00 just prior to the evening concert at 20:00. This year the SICMF will also be hosting a free student composers jam session after the 20:00 concert on 10 July. Click here for the full programme of student concerts, master classes and lectures.

The student concerts, master classes and lectures take place in the Fismer and Janasch halls and are free of charge for Festival Pass holders. For daily patrons, tickets for R30 per session are available at the door only. Tickets for the concerts that take place in the Endler Hall from 5 to 14 July are available online through Webtickets.

Bookings

Click here for the full SICMF 2024 programme. Tickets are available through WebTickets.

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