Hendrik Hofmeyr’s Of Darkness and the Heart for string quartet and soprano stands as one of the pinnacles of the extraordinary output of this formidable South African composer. Set to poetry by Fiona Zerbst, the work is brought vividly to life by the exceptional soprano Nonzwakazi. Dark, richly hued textures in the string writing form an emotive foundation for the vocal line, which soars above the ensemble while remaining in constant, expressive dialogue with it. Though rarely performed, this unique and masterfully crafted work weaves an immersive and emotionally compelling musical tapestry. 

Balancing the programme is one of the great chamber works of the repertoire. The Odeion String Quartet is joined by Megan-Geoffrey Prins to perform Dvořák’s Piano Quintet in A major. Radiant with melodic generosity and infused with the composer’s unmistakable Czech spirit, the quintet offers warmth, vitality, and profound intimacy. Written over a century apart, these two works share a remarkable common thread. Each invites the listener into a deeply personal and inward musical world – music that lingers long after the final note.

The Odeion String Quartet, the resident string quartet based at the University of the Free State, welcomes the opportunity to share the stage with the extraordinary soprano Siphokazi (Nonzwakazi) Maphumulo, and the eminent pianist Megan-Geoffrey Prins.

Age Restrictions: None

Ticket Note: Food and beverages will be available at the venue at your own expense.

Just 27 years old.

Just 2 albums.

Nominated for 60 awards.

The music behind the mayhem is unstoppable.

“AMY WINEHOUSE – THE DIVA and her DEMONS” unpacks the brief and impactful life of this once-in-a-generation talent who captured the imagination of both the mainstream pop chart and lovers of the timeless soul music of yesteryear.  The award-winning cautionary tale/tribute show features 12 of Amy’s hits acoustically interpreted for a live trio.  With Kerry Hiles (bass), Rob Thompson (guitar) and Kristo Zondagh (drums).

Age Restrictions: Parental Guidance Advised.

Ticket Note: Food and beverages will be available at the venue at your own expense.

In dié eenvrou-opvoering, gooi Amore Bekker soos wafferse keldermeester die elemente van komedie en klug, tragedie en melodrama in ‘n glas saam. Teug saam met haar aan vermaaklike stories en soet herinneringe oor wyn. Op haar unieke manier vermeng sy dit met ‘n goeie skeut nostalgie. Hier’s jou kans om Bacchus, die god van wyn, van naderby te leer ken! ‘n Glas gratis wyn is by die kaartjieprys ingesluit.

Teks: Amore Bekker. Regie: Tobie Cronjé. Vervaardiger: Leftfoot Productions. 

Ouderdomsbeperking: 16+

Kaartjienota: ‘n Glas wyn is ingesluit in die kaartjie prys

In dié toneelstuk, wat op die gelyknamige outobiografie van die skrywer Dana Snyman gegrond is, vertolk die akteur Wilhelm van der Walt ‘n hoofstuk in Dana se lewensverhaal waaroor hy lank nie gepraat het nie: sy ervaring tydens 1980’s. Dit is die tyd van PW Botha se vinger, die Voëlvry-toer, AWB-saamtrekke, onderhandelinge en die laaste dae van militêre diensplig. Dana word oneervol uit die weermag ontslaan, maar eers word hy in “Saal 24” opgeneem. 

Die eenmanstuk is ‘n intieme blik op Dana se lewe tydens die doodsnikke van ‘n politieke stelsel, oor manlikheid en oor eer, en oor die liefde wat uiteindelik alles oorwin. 

Die verhoogstuk is deur Johann Smith geskryf, Nico Scheepers behartig die regie en Leftfoot Theatre Productions is die vervaardiger. SEUN ryg oor die laaste jaar toneelpryse in. Die stuk wen vyf toekennings by Momentum Aardklop en word as die wenner van die Woordtrofee vir die beste eenpersoonsvertoning by die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees aangewys.

Moontlik gemaak deur Innibos en Nati

Ouderdomsbeperking: 13+

Kaartjienota: Kos en drankies sal op eie koste beskikbaar wees.

Rooiwyn & Green Sigrettes met Christof van der Berg en Kate Rok skryf, deur musiek en poësie, die teer verhaal van ’n eerste liefde: ’n padkaart van ontwakende liefde, in poësie geskets met papier en pen, teen die agtergrond van die keiser se vervalle huis en die rivier wat net dromers kan sien. Maar al was sy sy heel mooiste storie, is die liefde vol illusies. Die skuitjie wag, vasgemaak aan die houtkruis, want die keiser is kaal en sy kleed vaal. Al wat hy vir haar het om te gee, is sy stukkende hart, ’n paar groen sigarette en ’n bietjie rooiwyn uit ’n halfgedrinkte boks. 

Ouderdomsbeperking: Geen

Kaartjienota: Kos en drankies sal op eie koste beskikbaar wees.

Celebrating 38 years of excellence, the Bloemfontein Children’s Choir brings its vibrant artistry to the Clarens Arts Festival. Under the direction of Werner Stander, with Frelet de Villiers and Xander Steyn, Bloemfontein Children’s Choir presents a colourful programme of sacred, classical, pop, and African music. Having performed on world stages and earned national acclaim, this inspiring choir promises an unforgettable musical experience that celebrates unity, joy, and South African choral excellence worldwide.

Age Restrictions: None

Take a front-row seat on a high-octane musical pilgrimage from the neon lights of Memphis’ Beale Street to the vibrant heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. In this soul-stirring travelogue, based on my travels in the deep South of the United States, experience the deep-rooted sounds that shaped my musical identity—a journey through the very DNA of the American South.

Feel the power of Memphis Soul and the haunting echoes of the Mississippi Delta, where the spirits of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and BB King still linger in every chord. As the road winds south, immerse yourself in the swampy, rich Zydeco rhythms of Louisiana and the unmistakable “Big Easy” piano grooves of Fats Domino and Dr. John.

To turn up the heat, this show features “spicy hot” collaborations with surprise guest artists, delivering one-of-a-kind performances you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of storytelling and sound—it’s more than a concert; it’s a revival of the music that changed the world

Age Restrictions: None

Ticket Note: Food and beverages will be available at the venue at your own expense.

In his first solo piano recital at the Clarens Arts Festival, Charl du Plessis performs music by Bach and Beethoven, as well as favourites ranging from the Beatles to a new Ave Maria. This music is featured, among other things, on his latest CD and showcases a wide variety of styles and genres. The programme also includes opportunities for improvisation, during which audience members may suggest any music of their choice, on which Charl will then improvise spontaneously. Charl du Plessis is a Steinway Artist and piano lecturer at the University of Pretoria, and the winner of four SAMA music awards.

In sy eerste soloklavieruitvoering by die Clarens Kunstefees speel Charl du Plessis musiek van Bach en Beethoven en gunstelinge van die Beatles tot ’n nuwe Ave Maria. Hierdie musiek is onder andere vervat op sy nuutste CD en stel ’n wye verskydenheid van style en genres ten toon. Daar is ook geleentheid op die program vir improvisasies waar lede van die gehoor enige musiek van hulle keuse kan voorstel en waarop Charl dan spontaan sal improviseer. Charl du Plessis is ’n Steinway-kunstenaar en klavierdosent aan die Universiteit van Pretoria en die wenner van vier Sama-musiekpryse

Age Restrictions: None. | Ouderdomsbeperking: Geen

Ticket Note: This show will be presented in both English & Afrikaans. Beverages will be available at the venue at your own expense.

Kaartjienota: Hierdie vertoning sal in beide Afrikaans en Engels aangebied word. Drankies is op eie koste beskikbaar

A vibrant new crossover show brings together three standout South African musicians for a genre‑bending experience that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in local artistry. Jazz pianist Josh Mokoena sets the tone with his inventive, emotive playing shaped by influences ranging from Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku, Andre Petersen, Herbie Hancock to Cory Henry. His fluid improvisation creates a rich harmonic canvas that anchors the entire performance. On Latin guitar, Heinrich Pelser adds rhythmic fire and melodic flair, drawing on his classical training, rock background, and years of performing across South Africa’s major stages. His style brings warmth and movement, giving the show its unmistakable pulse. Completing the trio, vocalist Elvis Mokoena delivers smooth, pop‑infused vocals with an expressive edge that lifts each arrangement into pop-orbit. Together, the ensemble creates a seamless fusion of jazz sophistication, Latin energy, and contemporary pop appeal.

Age Restrictions: None

Ticket Note: Food and beverages will be available at your own expense at the venue 

Dié teater- en musiekproduksie (gegrond op die boek Vlam in die sneeu) neem jou op ’n reis deur die geheime en ongesensuurde liefdesbriewe van die digter Ingrid Jonker en die skrywer André P. Brink. Met Lizelle Pike as Ingrid Jonker en Chani Jonker agter die klavier, is dit ‘n viering van Ingrid se lewe − ’n vrou wie se woorde die wêreld getroos het, selfs al het haar eie hart gebreek.

Ouderdomsbeperking: 16+

Kaartjienota: Drankies is op eie koste beskikbaar

Join us in the magical garden at Titanic View for a late-afternoon gathering as autumn leaves fall and we close the Clarens Arts Festival. This year’s show, Dare & Dream, is an invitation to pause and reflect — on our own dreams, the ones that have come true, the ones we’re still brave enough to hold, and what the world might look like if we truly allowed ourselves to dream.

Expect big, heartfelt ballads, happy and dreamy tunes, Bianca and Kate’s rich vocal harmonies, and Heinrich’s signature, soul-stirring guitar work.

Come dream with us. 

Age Restrictions: None

Ticket Note: Beverages will be available at your own expense at the venue. While some seating will be provided, please bring your own picnic baskets of snacks and picnic blankets. No camping chairs allowed.