The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are officially back and are set to bring a star-studded line-up to get people dancing to their favourite music artists this concert season.
The annual shows, held in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, will kick off on 20 November 2022 for the 30th season of live entertainment at one of the world’s seven most magnificent botanical gardens.
For 30 years, the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts series has attracted visitors from near and far and have provided a platform for emerging and established artists to perform for a diverse audience. Numerous international and local stars, including Art Garfunkel, Miriam Makeba, Elton John, Johnny Clegg, The Vamps, Freshlyground, and many more, have graced this Cape Town stage.
South Africa’s favourite artists to bring the heat!
The inaugural show will start off with the alternative pop sounds of Craig Lucas, as well as newcomer to Kirstenbosch, Lee Cole. After winning Season 2 of The Voice South Africa, Craig Lucas has become synonymous with #1 radio hits on airwaves across the country. Lee Cole will open the stage for Craig Lucas with his lively pop hits that have also received significant attention from the biggest radio stations in South Africa.
On 27 November 2022, Jeremy Loops will return to the stage. Fans can expect another truly unforgettable show with the artist as he performs his new hits’ Mortal Man’ and ‘Till I found you’, along with the artist’s beloved crowd-pleasing classics like ‘Down South’ and ‘Gold’.
The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts line-up will follow with a mix of indie rock, folk, swing, soulful house, and jazz performances by Amanda Black, Beatenberg, Goldfish, Judith Sephuma, Mango Groove, Goodluck, Shekinah, Mandisi Dyantyis, and Swing City.
The Golden Oldies, an initiative by Capetonian entertainer Terry Fortune, will pay tribute to and honour legendary performing artists and musicians. Terry Fortune was recently honoured with the kykNET Fiëstas Legend award for his outstanding performances and extensive contributions to the music industry. The Golden Oldies line-up includes the likes of Terry Fortune, Leslie Kleinsmith, Madeegha Anders, and Vernon Castle, to name a few. They are all ready to make concert-goers sing along to their groovy tunes this festive season.
Ring in the new year with legendary performances
The captivating entertainment of Neon Dreams, Majozi and Will Linley on Monday, 26 December 2022, will set the tone for the biggest show of this concert season: the New Year’s Eve concert. (No concert will take place on Sunday, 25 December 2022).
Dance your way into the new year on 31 December 2022 with performances by two renowned South African music groups. From the first beats of Swing City’s opening performance at 20h30 to the last moments of Mi Casa’s closing performance after midnight, music lovers will be treated to a feast of live swing with a blend of jazz and dance music.
On 1 January 2023, for the first time ever, the Queen of Afro Jazz – Judith Sephuma – will also take the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert stage. Her angelic voice, sultry tone, and melodic style have made her a fan favourite worldwide.
The return of classical ensembles in 2023
In 2023, Cape Town Opera will present a programme of cherished operatic repertoire. Their performances will include the well-loved Pearl Fishers Duet, the Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana, and the ever-popular Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s 9th symphony.
This year South Africa’s oldest orchestra, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, is presenting Tchaikovsky: Polonaise from Eugene Onegin, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, and Dvorak Symphony No. 9 (“New World”)The principal guest conductor of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Bernhard Gueller, will bring excitement to the stage, accompanied by soloist Féroll-Jon Davids.
2 April 2023 sees the close to the concert series with South African singer, songwriter, and composer, Msaki, who will open up for musician Ami Faku. Expect a Sunday filled with afro-soul, alternative/indie, and amapiano melodies.
The concerts listed in red are not part of Kirstenbosch’s own concert series; Kirstenbosch rents out the venue to external promoters for these concerts. They are listed here for information purposes only.
“We’re proud to announce the 30th year of the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts series, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with another amazing line-up of artists,” said Sarah Struys, Events and Tourism Manager of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. “It’s been a long time coming, but we’re excited to finally bring a full concert series back into our Garden for all locals and tourists to enjoy.”
Bring family and friends, and enjoy an evening listening to world-class musical performances with beautiful Cape Town sunsets on the slopes of Table Mountain. Pack a picnic, or pre-order five days in advance from the Kirstenbosch Tea Room or Moyo Restaurant. The Moyo food trucks will be back with a variety of freshly made meals, beverages and snacks at all shows. Please don’t bring high deckchairs that obstruct the view of the stage. Highchairs will be restricted to the sides of the concert lawn.
Book tickets online at www.webtickets.co.za
