Running from 6 to 14 June, the Hermanus FynArts Festival once again transforms the town into a vibrant celebration of music, literature, visual arts, performance and culinary experiences. While a number of headline events have already sold out, festivalgoers can still secure tickets to a variety of outstanding concerts, exhibitions, talks and workshops that showcase some of South Africa’s finest creative talent.
When it came to the music performances it was a case of “go big or go home”. The Festival organisers bit the bullet and contracted the internationally acclaimed Ndlovu Youth Choir for the opening concert on the 6th of June. Two local young choirs will provide the curtain raiser: The Zwelihle Youth Choir and the Curro Cantare Choir, a fantastic opportunity for these kids to perform to a large (SOLD OUT) audience and to share a stage with the renowned Ndlovu Youth Choir.
The closing concert on the 14th June is equally anticipated, a full Beethoven symphony programme with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Rising young talent, Jason Atherton, will conduct and the young prodigy, Chanda Bupe Lupambo will play the Beethoven Piano Concerto #3. (There are still some tickets available for this event).
Between these two concerts there will be a host of different music events, among others featuring some well-known names – Louise Howlett and Albert Combrink will perform Cinema Serenade with Dylan Tabisher, and Andrew Ford brings an outstanding ensemble to perform Now that’s what I call Jazz, featuring singer Abigail Peters, Wesley Rustin on bass guitar, Kevin Gibson on drums and Dan Shout on sax. Also look out for the renowned Baxter Trio at the Municipal Auditorium.
The Windorx concert on Saturday, 13 June is another first for Hermanus. This wind ensemble with their big brass section is a don’t miss event!
For book people, Paige Nick has curated a treasure trove of authors, books and discussions ranging from politics to stargazing and thrillers – even a Silent Book Club event on Saturday 13 June! Certainly not to be missed.
Fine Music Radio will be broadcasting live from the Festival, and you can catch Rodney Trudgeon with his Classic Morning show from Monday, 8 to Friday 12 June. We have to thank Strauss & Co for their support; they funded the entire FMR outside broadcast.
The fun-filled culinary workshops are virtually sold out, with only one or two tickets still available, if you’re quick about it.
Add to that the FynArts Festival art exhibitions featuring ceramics, fibre art and sculpture, as well as the many participating artists and galleries and you’re invited to a true festival of the arts.
Have a look at the new Sculpture on the Cliffs installation at Gearings Point and walk down High Street to see the Sculptors Heritage Walk – both projects of the Hermanus FynArts Festival.
Hermanus is renowned for its wines from the Hemel en Aarde valley and the many excellent restaurants. So, the answer is to stay for more than a day and enjoy the culinary joys – we have arranged all the evening functions to start at five pm, allowing plenty of time for patrons to enjoy the gastronomic delights of Hermanus afterwards.
You’ll find all the details on our website www.hermanusfynarts.co.za and you can book directly from there via Webtickets. Once you’re in town, you can find the Festival Information Desk at the Burgundy Restaurant on the waterfront.
