Variety of piano highlights at Klein Karoo Klassique

A variety of piano highlights are showcased at the 15th Klein Karoo Klassique, taking place in Oudtshoorn from 9 to 11 August.
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A variety of piano highlights are showcased at the 15th Klein Karoo Klassique, taking place in Oudtshoorn from 9 to 11 August.

This winter festival of classical music, art, food and wine brings together some of South Africa’s top pianists in recitals of works by both local and international composers. Festivalgoers can also join the ever-popular Steinway pianist Charl du Plessis, who engages in conversations with artists after selected performances.

Megan-Geoffrey Prins (piano) and Berthine van Schoor (cello) take the audience on an exotic and imaginary journey through several countries of the Ancient Silk Road in Music from the Silk Road for Cello and Piano on Friday 9 August 09:30. Their programme ends with a feisty and jazzy sonata by acclaimed Turkish pianist, Fazil Say, performed in South Africa for the first time. The recital is followed by a free music discussion with the artists.

Mareli Stolp (piano) shares the stage with Rikus Coetsee (saxophone) and Handri Loots (flute) in Ensemble Masana on 9 August 13:00. All seasoned chamber musicians, the members of this trio have been performing regularly across South Africa and abroad and present a varied programme of music by international and South African composers. The wide range of possibilities for all three instruments are showcased in duo and trio format. The recital is followed by a free music discussion with the artists.

Pianist Esthea Kruger and soprano Magdalene Minnaar share the stage in The Prayer on 9 August 19:00. They present a meditative programme of prayers from the greater art song repertoire. This extraordinary collection includes Ravel’s “Kaddisch” and Schubert’s “Ave Maria”, and features works by Bach, Fauré, Messiaen and Britten, amongst others.

Kruger and Minnaar are also on stage with Rosamund Ender (cello) daily for a special series of performances aimed at young listeners in Little Maestro’s: Classical Concerts for Families, presented for free in the Banqueting Hall. Classical music is a brilliant developmental tool for children under the age of seven, boosting brain development and concentration. With this concert the artists offer a relaxed environment where little ears learn through Mozart, Bach and other well-known classical songs. These immersive recitals are tailormade with kids in mind, and includes a lot of interaction and explanation, as well as participation and moving with the music! Well-known works including “Four Seasons” by Vivaldi and “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” by Mozart will be heard.

In Sometimes it takes two on Saturday 10 August 13:00 the audience journeys from one pianist on stage to four. Nina Schumann, Esthea Kruger, Megan-Geoffrey Prins and Charl du Plessis share the stage for an exhilarating collaboration by four of South Africa’s foremost pianists. They unleash 40 fingers on two grand pianos with their classical mastery. For this special piano highlight on the programme, they perform music from Mozart, Busoni, Rachmaninoff, Lutoslawski and Lavignac, followed by a free music discussion with the artists.

On 10 August 16:30 the music moves to the NGK Park for Triumph of Sound, for a programme spanning centuries, intertwining Stefan Lombard on the pipe organ, majestic sounds of Lynelle Kenned’s soprano voice and the brilliance of the trumpet played by Paul Loeb van Zuilenburg. It is a unique journey across the rich tapestry of classical music with a spectrum of emotions – from the triumphant Baroque brilliance of Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel, to Mozart’s genius and the introspective beauty of Puccini. The recital is followed by a free music discussion with the artists.

The popular Joshua na die Reën (JNDR) moves in behind the piano on Sunday 11 August 13:00 for Lig op die horison, with the South Cape Children’s Choir, directed by Jan-Erik Swart. It is JNDR’s first performance at Klein Karoo Klassique and the first time that he joins forces with the choir. It is an unforgettable musical journey with a music programme compiled with the theme “The search for light”.

On Sunday afternoon at 16:00, the Charl du Plessis Trio and cellist Peter Martens conclude the music programme with Bach, Brahms & Bolling. Works by French jazz pianist Claude Bolling are included, as well as the Cello Sonata in E minor by Brahms in its original format and the Bach Solo Suite for Cello no. 2 with a twist. This work will be transformed with the addition of a jazz soundscape by the Charl du Plessis Trio. A true eclectic mix of jazz and classical sounds in a new crossover combination for the music connoisseur.

The centre of Klein Karoo Klassique is the Oudtshoorn Civic Centre and Banqueting Hall, where festivalgoers and artists can take time to relax. Delicious food is served here by Nostalgie Restaurant, whilst wine, coffee and other delicacies are also available. Books, classical music CDs and DVDs are on sale. 

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.  

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 at 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.