Jazz & Classical Encounters

The one-day festival begins at 1pm and will touch souls with a mix of jazz and classical icons for the next eight hours. The must-see event includes refreshment breaks and a chance to absorb the exquisite atmosphere of the estate.

The show will open with jazz vocalist and pianist Nomfundo Xaluva (Spha Mdlalose is recovering from a short illness), who will present new and old work with Lumanyano Unity Mzi on drums, Steven de Sousa on bass, and Blake Hellaby on piano. They will be followed by an amazing ensemble of classical and traditional indigenous music Ancient Voices and friends presenting: Molweni Bosisi! and ft. Lungiswa Plaatjies, Nomapostile Nyiki, Nomakrestu Xakathugaga, Sarah Evans and Larissa Johnson.

Then, we’re delighted to welcome Navi Yuga: a Siya Makuzeni (vocals and trombone) and Darren English (trumpet) collaboration featuring Mphumi Dlamini on keys and piano, Lumanyano Unity Mzi on drums, and Sean Sanby on bass.

The next act is a long-awaited encounter between two South African legends, pianist Paul Hanmer and guitarist and singer Neo Muyanga, in Conversation. They will present brand new material written especially for this festival. This fresh body of work will reflect a broad musical landscape embracing Western Art music, Contemporary African Jazz and Chance music, as well as Folk idioms from around the Globe. Their sound, while contemporary, will reflect a deep history - reaching from Urban Maskandi all the way back to the Madrigals of 16th- century Italy.

The festival will end on a high note with the amazing talent of saxophonist and Standard Bank Young Artists for Jazz 2020 Sisonke Xonti presenting uGaba The Migration, featuring Steven de Sousa on bass, Kyle Shepherd on piano, Tefo Mahola on drums and Sabu Jiyane on percussions.

Says 2020 Jazz & Classical Encounters Festival organiser and co-producer Aymeric Péguillan, of Pegs Music Project: “This has been an immensely challenging year in many respects. Music allows us to see beyond and elevate our minds and souls, and we hope that this very exciting second edition of the Festival will bring happiness, joy and a renewed energy to our audience and followers.”

Péguillan, co-producer with Eastern Acoustics, adds: “We are excited to continue the journey started last year, where we present two musical art forms that uniquely inform our South African identity.”

The schedule:
Doors open at 12:15
1st Act - 1pm (Nomfundo Xaluva)
2nd Act - 2.30pm (Ancient Voices and friends present: Molweni Bosisi! Ft. Lungiswa Plaatjies, Nomapostile Nyiki, Nomakrestu Xakathugaga, Sarah Evans and Larissa Johnson)
3rd Act - 4pm (Navi Yuga: Siya Makuzeni and Darren English collaboration)
4th Act - 5.30pm (Paul Hanmer and Neo Muyanga in Conversation)
5th Act - 7.30pm (Sisonke Xonti presents uGaba The Migration)

Ticket options:

• Show only: R 380
• Show and seated dinner in Hotel Restaurant: R 770 (2 courses including a glass of wine)
  Dinner Menu:
  Starter: Tuscan Platter to share. Breadsticks, lavash, tangy beetroot hummus, peppadew & sundried tomato pesto, marinated artichokes, olives, falafels, tabbouleh salad.
  Mains: Grilled rump steak, Crispy Hand cut potato wedges, onion rings, Cajun whipped farm butter, fire blushed tomatoes or roasted butternut & feta arancini (V) Rocket salad, toasted pumpkin seeds, tomato relish, butternut and basil salsa.
• Shows Tickets and Picnic Basket for two: R1225
  Picnic can be enjoyed in Amphitheatre during show. View the menu here.
• Show tickets, dinner & Accommodation for two: R3040
  Stay at the Spier Hotel in a Signature room, including dinner (as above) and breakfast.