A special opportunity focussed on families, Little Maestros: Classical Concerts for Families, is presented at this year’s Klein Karoo Klassique.
“Classical music is a brilliant developmental tool for children under the age of seven, boosting brain development and concentration. With this concert we offer a relaxed environment where little ears learn through Mozart, Bach and other well-known classical music”, says Magdalene Minnaar, well-known soprano and Artistic Director of Cape Town Opera.
For Little Maestro’s Minnaar is seen on stage with the violin. Cellist Rosamund Ender and pianist Esthea Kruger join her. Minnaar, Ender and Kruger are three of South Africa’s foremost classical musicians and this interactive recital has been compiled with smallchildren in mind.
“We include an array of interaction and explanations, with participation and movement with the music. Little Maestro’s is a unique experience, providing an opportunity for children to be part of a classical music recital, without parents having to worry about children that must sit still.”
According to Minnaar Little Maestro’s is presented in Oudtshoorn for the first time with these performances at Klein Karoo Klassique, but the project has been run for a decade. “Little Maestro’s has been presented with great success across South Africa and thousands of children have been exposed to classical music in a fun and interactive way. We are very excited to now also bring it to Oudtshoorn,” she says.
Well-known works including Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachmusik” are heard. Together with the violin, cello and piano, a viola and various percussion instruments are also showcased.
Little Maestro’s is presented in the Banqueting Hall at Klein Karoo Klassique on Friday (9 August) and Saturday (11 August) 15:30 and Sunday (11 August) 14:30. The performances are free to attend. Delicious food prepared by Nostalgie Restaurant is served here, whilst wine, coffee and other delicacies are also available here. Books, classical music CDs and DVDs are on sale here. A variety of opportunities to spend time with artists in this area are also created.
Another recital that is perfect for the whole family is Lig op die horison (Sunday 11 August 13:00), where Joshua na die Reën joins forces with the South Cape Children’s Choir, directed by Jan-Erik Swart. They take the audience on an unforgettable musical journey with their programme compiled around the theme “The search for light”.
Between the ten recitals on the music programme, festivalgoers can spend time with artists in the Banqueting Hall. Popular pianist Charl du Plessis, this year’s host at Klein Karoo Klassique, engages in conversation with artists following selected recitals and these music discussions can be attended for free.
Furthermore, daily Historiese wandeltoere and De Rustica Olive Estate’s Olyf tot olyfie provides daily opportunities to experience the beauty and fresh air of the Klein Karoo. The KKNK’s multi-award-winning Karoo Kaarte team presents a daily walkabout about this groundbreaking multidisciplinary arts programme, taking place in Oudtshoorn since 2021. Artworks from their latest exhibition, Argief, that opened at the KKNK in 2024, are included, as well as more information on their Karoo Kaarte app. This exciting smartphone app is an interactive archive of memories from residents’ childhood and stories about forgotten and public spaces of Oudtshoorn.
This winter festival is presented by the KKNK, made possible by the Rupert Music Foundation and the ATKV, with the support of Le Lude and the Oudtshoorn Municipality.
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.