A special opportunity focussed on families, Little Maestros: Classical Concerts for Families, is presented at this year\u2019s Klein Karoo Klassique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cClassical 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\u201d, says Magdalene Minnaar, well-known soprano and Artistic Director of Cape Town Opera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Little Maestro\u2019s 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\u2019s foremost classical musicians and this interactive recital has been compiled with smallchildren in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe include an array of interaction and explanations, with participation and movement with the music. Little Maestro\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Minnaar Little Maestro\u2019s is presented in Oudtshoorn for the first time with these performances at Klein Karoo Klassique, but the project has been run for a decade. \u201cLittle Maestro\u2019s 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,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well-known works including Vivaldi\u2019s \u201cFour Seasons\u201d and Mozart\u2019s \u201cEine Kleine Nachmusik\u201d are heard. Together with the violin, cello and piano, a viola and various percussion instruments are also showcased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Little Maestro\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another recital that is perfect for the whole family is Lig op die horison (Sunday 11 August 13:00), where Joshua na die Re\u00ebn joins forces with the South Cape Children\u2019s Choir, directed by Jan-Erik Swart. They take the audience on an unforgettable musical journey with their programme compiled around the theme \u201cThe search for light\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s host at Klein Karoo Klassique, engages in conversation with artists following selected recitals and these music discussions can be attended for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, daily Historiese wandeltoere and De Rustica Olive Estate\u2019s Olyf tot olyfie provides daily opportunities to experience the beauty and fresh air of the Klein Karoo. The KKNK\u2019s 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\u2019 childhood and stories about forgotten and public spaces of Oudtshoorn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n