World class musicians, singers and conductors bring the drama, sensitivity and timeless passion of classical music to the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees. Come and listen to favourites such as Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Prokofiev, Grieg, Ravel, Brahms, Gershwin, Piazzola, Vivaldi, Huyssen, Chopin, Haydn, Handel and so many more and take a chance on something that you have not heard before. There are over 35 classical music productions, most of which are performed in the acoustically exceptional Endler concert venue and Fismer Hall.
The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees takes place this year from 28 September to 6 October and the theme is “play”. Get your tickets at Quicket.
A very special series of pastorales will be played every day from Monday to Friday at 13H15 on the glorious organ in the Moederkerk – the second oldest congregation in South Africa which has served the community since 1686. Five exceptional organists, led by Zorada Temmingh bring melodies and harmonies that will transport you to a place that is peaceful, serene, tranquil and evocative of the beauty of nature and an idyllic vision of pastoral life. This serene respite from the bustling world is enhanced by the soaring beauty of the Moederkerk. There is also the opportunity to join Zorada Temmingh and learn about the history and meaning behind the exquisite stained-glass windows of this historic church.
If you have never experienced a Charl du Plessis concert – an exceptional musical gift awaits you. If you have – you probably already have your tickets. Along with Werner Spies (bass) and Peter Auret (drums) the Charles du Plessis Trio’s Rhapsody in Blue promises to be a premier Woordfees event and tickets sell out really fast. The music, the stories, the musicians and best of all the joyful enthusiasm and appreciation of the audience at these concerts make them a once in a lifetime experience that will remain with you for days. Expect to add Charl du Plessis and Gershwin to your Spotify playlist in a “japtrap*”. (*really fast)
Should your taste veer toward the more modern classics, there is much to tempt your senses. The Charl du Plessis Trio will perform Rhapsody in Blue and other Gershwin delights. Bejazzle is piano virtuoso Nina Schumann’s dip into the waters of jazz and shows that classical music and jazz make excellent bedfellows. American Rhythms take audiences on a musical expedition that evokes the wide open spaces of the American landscape and the American pioneer spirit, with works such as Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring. The excitement of Klavier-extravaganza (Piano Extravaganza) featuring 10 pianos, 20 pianists and 200 fingers, turns Endler Hall into a playground of virtuosity, melody and a whole lot of fun.
Are you one of those people who would love to try classical music but can’t imagine sitting still in a concert hall for a long time? The Woordfees Sonic Place 20:24 is the perfect solution to your dilemma. Your ticket buys you a place at two short concerts of 24 minutes each held at the homes of Stellenbosch residents, a glass of wine and a very short walk between venues. Jazz, classical, free improvisation and acoustic experimentation are all to be found in these six performances and you will have the opportunity to talk to some of the musicians.
The string is the thing. Several presentations on the Woordfees Classical Music programme revere the beauty of string instruments. The beguiling tones of stringed instruments have the power to tug at the heartstring of audiences. The violin, viola, and cello each possess a distinctive voice, yet together they resonate with a beauty that is mesmerising.
Strings Attached will give you the chance to listen to Vivaldi’s Concert for two cellos in G-minor and Mendelssohn’s Octet in E-flat major, Opus 20 performed by the cream of South African musicians under the musical direction of Peter Martens. Stryk-en KlarinetPalet (Strings and Clarinet) brings together eight brilliant musicians who play Mozart, Prokofiev, Piazzolo and many more with exuberance and joyful energy. At the Woordfees for the first time The Wits Trio will delight audiences with their exciting rendition of works by Mozart, Brahms and Babajanian.
Voices in Harmony. Choral music has a considerable following in South Africa and there are no fewer than six presentations on the Classical Music programme that feature choirs. The world’s No.1 Amateur Choir and beloved by all who hear them, The Stellenbosch University Choir delivers 6 performances under the baton of Andre van der Merwe. This award-winning choir will perform new arrangements of songs such as The Crossing (Johnny Clegg), and Blou (Andre Swiegers). Voces Cordis the 80 voices led by Andre van der Merwe bring a varied programme that delivers exceptional arrangements from Renaissance favourites to hymns such as Ave Maria, and even a Freddie Mercury classic, Seaside Rendezvous. ’n Kaapse Fantasie features students from The Cape Choral Academy. The Cape Town Chamber Choir will present a programme of sacred songs for only one performance. Schola Cantorum – the Stellenbosch University Chamber Choir – are part of the prestigious group of musicians who have been assembled to perform Haydn’s oratorium Die Schöpfung (The Creation). The Cape Town Opera Chorus, who have won the title of best opera choir in the world, will perform Horizons, a collection of works that reflect their versatility and musicality.
Get the full Classical music programme here, and the complete Woordfees programme here.