The global classical music spotlight returns to the Western Cape as the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) officially unveils its 2026 programme. Running from 3 to 12 July at the Stellenbosch University (SU) Konservatorium and Endler Hall, Africa’s premier classical music festival continues its proud tradition of pairing foundational icons of the past with boundary-pushing voices of the present.
For Artistic Director Nina Schumann, this annual gathering of international and local virtuosos offers a creative blank canvas. It is an opportunity to design a world-class repertoire without limitation, establishing a dynamic space where heritage and contemporary innovation seamlessly intertwine to inspire the next generation of musical talent.
A Feast of Modern Masterpieces and Premieres
For enthusiasts who relish cutting-edge compositions executed at an impeccable international standard, the 2026 lineup is spectacular. The festival welcomes back the avant-garde textures of Jörg Widmann, the hypnotic minimalism of Philip Glass, and the striking landscapes of Olli Mustonen—creators whose works regularly grace Europe’s elite concert halls.
This year, the festival pushes boundaries by presenting no fewer than 11 South African premieres. Audiences will experience groundbreaking works by Pavel Karmanov, Ante Grgin, and eccentric Turkish concert pianist-composer Fazıl Say. Say’s trio, SpaceJump—a kinetic example of contemporary Impressionism—will be brought to life by a powerhouse chamber alliance featuring violinist Daniel Rowland, cellist Maja Bogdanović, and Nina Schumann on piano.
A major highlight is the world premiere of the festival’s official commission, A Tough Tale, by award-winning young South African talent Owen Dalton. This monumental work will be performed by a massive ensemble of SICMF faculty and top student participants. Conducted by Xandi van Dijk, the performance weaves live music with a moving tapestry of local spoken word, featuring Tereska Muishond narrating her own poetry alongside the profound verses of Antjie Krog and Mongane Wally Serote.
Timeless Classics and Orchestral Grandeur
True to the festival’s signature balance, this wave of contemporary brilliance is supported by a sublime selection of standard repertoire. For purists seeking live traditional classics, a standout includes Mozart’s masterful Quintet for Piano and Winds, performed by Titus Underwood (oboe), YaoGuang Zhai (clarinet), Julia Harguindey (bassoon), José García Gutiérrez (French horn), and Pieter Grobler (piano). Audiences can also look forward to César Franck’s brooding Piano Quintet, an all-strings arrangement of Brahms’s Op. 115 Quintet, and Mendelssohn’s effervescent Concerto for Violin and Piano.
The ten-day celebration reaches its crescendo over the final weekend with grand orchestral showcase concerts featuring student participants alongside elite global soloists David Cohen (cello), Miclen LaiPang (violin), Emanuil Ivanov (piano), and Siwoo Kim (violin).
The flagship Festival Symphony Orchestra tackles Gustav Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 1 under conductor Michael Repper. Simultaneously, the Festival Concert Orchestra will breathe life into the romanticisms of Tchaikovsky, Bruch, and Bizet under Karin Hendrickson. Rounding out the offering, the newly formed Festival Symphonic Wind Orchestra, led by Liam Burden, will showcase a vibrant modern program featuring works by Philip Sparke, Eric Whitacre, Paul Hart, Martin Ellerby, and South Africa’s own Lize Briel.
Secure Your Seats
As Africa’s most intense and inspiring musical convergence, the 2026 SICMF promises a sensory refuge from the July cold. Tickets for this spectacular 10-day itinerary sell out swiftly. Music lovers can secure their seats online directly through Webtickets or at any Pick n Pay outlet nationwide.
