Franschhoek Chamber Music Festival Returns for 2025

Franschhoek

From February 13 to 16, 2025, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) will once again take up its summer residency in Franschhoek for the fourth annual Franschhoek Chamber Music Festival. This highly anticipated event will feature ten concerts, all set in the beautifully acoustic-rich Dutch Reformed Church.

A Special Guest and a Rare Stradivarius

This year’s festival welcomes Miclen LaiPang, renowned violinist of Trio Zadig and an esteemed musician at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Paris. LaiPang has recently been granted the use of the 1707 “Charles Castleman” Stradivarius, an exceptional instrument with a storied past. Audiences can hope to experience this rare violin in action during the festival.

A Repertoire of Chamber Music Masterpieces

The festival will showcase an array of chamber music gems, featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, and Mendelssohn. Highlights include:

  • Mozart’s Gran Partita
  • Beethoven’s Razumovsky Quartet
  • Schumann’s Piano Quintet
  • Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet
  • Mendelssohn’s Piano Sextet
  • A chamber version of Beethoven’s Triple Concerto

One of the most exciting additions is Mozart’s Serenade for Two Violins and Bass, K. 648, a piece recently rediscovered in Leipzig. Believed to have been composed when Mozart was just 10 years old, it will be performed by Suzanne Martens, Philips Martens, and Peter Martens.

Showcasing Young and Established Talent

Festival guests will enjoy performances by esteemed musicians, including:

  • Concertmasters Farida Bacharova and Suzanne Martens
  • Pianists Esthea Kruger, Pieter Grobler, and Francois du Toit
  • Harpsichordist Erik Dippenaar

The festival will also highlight emerging talents such as pianists Isaac van der Merwe and Gerhard Joubert, trumpeter Chad Groepies, and violinist Gilah Kellner.

An Unforgettable Franschhoek Experience

Beyond the music, festivalgoers can indulge in fine dining, wine tastings, art galleries, and shopping throughout Franschhoek. La Motte wines, Le Lude Cap Classique, Bootlegger coffee, and Yama sushi will all be on offer to complete the experience.

Peter Martens, artistic director and curator, expresses gratitude to his fellow musicians for their dedication to chamber music, while Louis Heyneman, CEO of CPO, acknowledges the invaluable support of the Barrows, whose passion for the arts makes this festival possible.

For more information and bookings, visit www.fcmf.co.za.