Thursday 22 September 2011

This site will be updated on 30 September 2011

THE beautiful Franschhoek Valley, world renowned for its wine, award-winning restaurants and boutique hotel, adds for one week­end a year, the experience of a highly successful music festival.

Now in its fifth year, the Franschhoek Spring Classical Music Festival once again offers an outstanding selection of music this weekend.

* Joanne Rozario and Christopher Duigan open the festival with an evening of classical music for clarinet and piano by Brahms, Weber and Schumann on Friday at 19:30 at the NGK Church. Tickets are R80.

* In a presentation titled ‘Play, Piano Play!’ Duigan performs a whirlwind tour of piano music from around the world on Saturday at 12:00 at the NGK Church. Tickets are R80.

* Making a welcome return, the popular Russian Kerimov Trio perform with their appealing verve and stunning virtuosity on Saturday at 19:00 at the Vineyard Brasserie.

Joined by baritone Federico Freschi for Music from the Russian Tea Lounge, this production is set to display similar passion, flair and brilliance that garnered accolades for this ensemble in previous productions. R250 includes a threecourse dinner and Cap Classique on arrival.

* Enjoy a classical performance for violin, cello and piano with the Kerimov Trio on Sunday at 11:30 at the NG Church.

A varied and enlightening programme with a broad range of spirit and energy. This magnificent music, perfect for a fresh Sunday morning, is performed in the spacious acoustic of the NGK Church. Tickets are R80.

* More Songs You Love is a light-hearted selection of songs performed by baritone Federico Freschi Sunday at 12:30 at Vineyard Brasserie, accompanied by Christopher Duigan.

The follow-up to the highly successful Songs You Love (now available on CD) this new catalogue of unashamedly popular numbers from the world of opera, musicals, cabaret and song is set to have you on your feet.

The musical menu ranges from Rossini’s Barber of Seville to songs from the musicals, operetta, plus cracking numbers from Cole Porter and Noel Coward. Tickets are R250 and include a three-cour­se lunch and Cap Classique on arrival.

* Festival musicians gather in the final celebration concert to perform in the magnificent garden setting at La Rive, 29 Dirkie Uys Street, on Sunday at 15:30.

This opportunity to enjoy the private garden with a glass of Cap Classique and canapés is not to be missed.

With performances from all festival musicians, plus guitarist James Grace for selected numbers, the performers compile a range of popular melodies to end the festival with a fun outing in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Tickets are R100 and includes refreshments.

For bookings, call Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourism at 021-876-3603 or Vineyard Brasserie at 021-876-3420.

Tickets for the NGK Church concerts are also available at the door.

More News