A diverse programme of piano music awaits audiences in just over a week at the 14th Klein Karoo Klassique in Oudtshoorn.
From the most beautiful melodies in piano literature, virtuoso sets of variations from the Baroque to the timeless beauty of music by legendary composers and unique combinations. This is what piano enthusiasts can expect at this winter festival of classical music, art, books, wine, and food from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 August. The programme offers various opportunities to discuss works with artists between recitals.
Local pianist Sulayman Human performs a programme of music using the technique of variation, inspired by the idea of “changing one’s tune” on Thursday 3 August at 18:00. His programme for Let’s change tunes includes works by Scarlatti, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Liszt. Dinner by Tall Goose Restaurant is also included in the ticket price.
Award-winning pianist Nina Schumann shares the stage on Friday 4 August 10:30 with flautist Louisa Theart for Aquila Duo: Echoes of Arcadia. Their programme includes music by Albert Roussel, Claude Debussy, Matthijs van Dijk, Carl Reinecke and Gabriel Fauré. Their programme traces how five 19th- and 20th-century composers were inspired to focus on two inhabitants of the mythical realm: Pan, the satyr god of the wild, and Undine, a water nymph. The recital is followed by a music discussion in the Banqueting Hall.
Schumann also shares the stage on Saturday 5 August 14:00 with eight artists in Sublime Sextets, for a programme that includes Brahms’ first string sextet in B-flat major, as well as Ernő Dohnányi’s sextet in C major, Op. 37, an awesome work for the unusual combination of violin, viola, cello, French horn, clarinet, and piano. This recital is followed by a music discussion.
Erik Dippenaar performs a programme of virtuoso sets of variations from the Baroque on the organ and harpsichord in Variations (4 Aug 16:30), including music by Corelli and Buxtehude, as well as an improvised set of variations on the organ. Ralitza Macheva (baroque violin) joins him on stage.
For Handel’s Roman Cantatas Dippenaar performs a selection of Handel’s dramatic and expressive cantata gems on the harpsichord, with members of the Cape Town Baroque Orchestra and sopranos Lynelle Kenned and Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi. This recital follows their kykNET Fiësta Award-winning Handel at Home programme. This recital is followed by a music discussion in the Banqueting Hall.
Megan-Geoffrey Prins performs a beautiful tribute that celebrates the life and word of legendary Estonian composer Arvo Pärt in Harmony of Serenity: Arvo Pärt’s Musical Meditations (Saturday 5 August at 10:30). Cellist Peter Martens and violinist Suzanne Martens join him on stage for some of Pärt’s most beloved works, followed by a music discussion in the Banqueting Hall.
José Dias accompanies word-class soloists on piano during the ATKV-Galakonsert met Kaapstad Opera (5 August 19:00), for an evening of operatic brilliance and glamour. Award-winning opera stars Brittany Smith, Lukhanyo Moyake and Conroy Scott are joined by rising young artist Alida Scheepers in a programme of timeless highlights from the most famous operas and musicals.
Amanda Tiffin, one of Cape Town’s best loved pianists and singers, takes the audience on a musical journey with her jazz trio, bass maestro Shaun Johannes and young, upcoming drummer Langa Dubazana, for an evening of jazz in My Own Song (5 August 20:30). From personal and gentle acoustic stories, soaring emotional heights and simple pop melodies framed with a jazz touch, to fiery samba rhythms and playful scat solos.
Elna van der Merwe performs two major works by Johannes Brahms and Antonin Dvořák with Zanta Hofmeyr (violin), Jeanne-Louise Moolman (viola) and Susan Mouton (cello) in Take Four Piano Quartet (6 August 10:30). Like these four musicians, Brahms and Dvořák were also close friends. This recital is a celebration of friendship and the uplifting power of music and is followed by a music discussion in the Banqueting Hall.
Klein Karoo Klassique is presented by the KKNK, made possible by the Rupert Music Foundation and ATKV, with additional support from Le Lude, Rosenhof Country House, and the Oudtshoorn Municipality. The festival’s accommodation sponsors are Hlangana Lodge, Kleinplaas Holiday Resort, Protea Hotel Riempie Estate, Queen’s Hotel by Bon Hotels, Ravenscliff Manor, Turnberry Boutique Hotel and Wildehondekloof Game Reserve.
The complete festival programme is available at klassique.co.za.
