Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Greyton opens for music lovers at Classics For All
EVERYONE who has been there tells me Greyton is a beautiful village.
Once a year it hooks up with Genadendal in the foothills of the Sonderend Mountains in the Overberg for the Greyton Genadendal Classics For All festival.
Happening for the 12th time this weekend, Classics for All is a small, intimate and unpretentious get-together for music lovers from all walks of life.
The ethos behind this festival is to take audiences on an accessible classical music adventure.
It caters for the tastes of everyone, from the aficionado to the less devoted.
International artists, top South African classical performers and musicians from the region offer debuts, repertoire, ensembles, choirs and instrumentation and visitors can expect everything from choral, chamber, baroque and cross-over music, to performances by the top sopranos, tenors and baritones of South African opera.
The bill includes the Charl du Plessis Trio, the Camerata Tinta Barocca Ensemble, the Tygerberg Childrens’ Choir, a performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, the Can- tique Chamber Choir and a gala concert featuring the talents of baritone Johannes Slabbert and soprano Noluvuyiso Mpofu, who will be performing with local pianist Philippus Hugo and the Hugo Lambrechts Symphony Orchestra.
Local musicians and choirs will have the opportunity to display their talents.
Classically trained jazz artist Lelanie van den Berg, born and bred in Genadendal, gifted young flautist Axolile Hoza, who matriculated in neighbouring town Caledon, the choirs of two local schools and the Greyton Genadendal Community Choir will share the stage with professional artists.
Between the music, do some wine tasting, browse the many art galleries and indulge in the delicious country fare on offer in the local restaurants and street cafes, some of which will be offering classical busking, adding to the festive atmosphere in the villages.
Tickets through Computicket. More information about the programme, accommodation options and restaurants can be found at www.classicsforall.co.za or call the Greyton Tourism Office on 028 254 9414.