Once a year the charming villages of Greyton and Genadendal, in the foothills of the Sonderend Mountains in the Overberg, come alive with the magical sounds of classical music during the popular Greyton Genadendal Classics for All festival.
Now in its 14th year, Classics for All is a small, intimate and unpretentious get-together for music lovers from all walks of life. The ethos behind this festival is to take audiences on an accessible classical music adventure, catering for the tastes of everyone, from the aficionado to the lesser devotee.
International artists join top South African classical performers as well as musicians from the Overberg region to offer three days of débuts, repertoire, ensembles, choirs and instrumentation.
Ten concerts will be performed at the 2018 Classics for All Festival from 25 – 27 May 2018. Performances include internationally acclaimed pianist Spencer Myer, the Zomari Duo of classical guitarist James Grace and flautist Bridget Rennie-Salonen, the trio of Junnan Sun (clarinet), Peter Martens (cello) and Elna van der Merwe (piano) performing “Beautiful Brahms, soprano Cecilia Rangwanasha and tenor Selim Kagee performing with the Cantique Choir in the gala concert, a reworked presentation of the music of David Bowie as performed by the Ensemble Je Ne Comprends Pas, the popular group Zamar performing the works of well-known classical music composers, and more.
Various musicians from the Overberg will have the opportunity to showcase their talents. Gifted young violinist Maja van Dyk from neighbouring Caledon, who made her debut at this festival as a 14-year old returns to the festival in 2018, as well as Genadendal Brass Band trumpeter and teacher of the OKOSI group, Shaun Cloete. The choir of the Berreaville Primary school will be on stage with the Little Paganinis (the Muzukidz Project) in a special concert for children.
“Join us for three days of wonderful music and genuine warm Overberg hospitality. Do some wine tasting, browse the many art galleries and indulge in the delicious country fare on offer in the local restaurants and street cafes-some of which will be offering classical busking — adding to the festive atmosphere in the villages.”
For more information contact 028 254 9414/9564 or visit www.classicsforall.co.za
