Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra to return Klein Karoo Klassique for a performance for the first time in 13 years

By CityLife Arts Writer

One of the highlights of Klein Karoo Klassique 2026 is the long-awaited return of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), performing at the festival for the first time in 13 years.

Under the baton of ever-popular maestro Richard Cock and joined on stage by acclaimed South African pianist François du Toit, the Klassique Gala Concert is a celebratory programme showcasing some of the most beloved masterpieces of the Classical and Romantic eras.

“Our return to Klein Karoo Klassique is tremendously exciting. Opportunities to hear a full professional symphony orchestra outside Cape Town are relatively rare, which makes this particularly special. Audiences will enjoy an accessible and engaging programme – whether someone is a lifelong classical music enthusiast or attending their very first orchestral concert, the Gala Concert promises to be an unforgettable evening,” says Adriaan Fuchs, CEO and Artistic Director of the CPO.

Cock says he is excited to be joined on stage at Klassique by a bigger orchestra than previous years and says festivalgoers can look forward to a well-balanced programme of works that are all masterpieces in their own right. “The audience will take away a real sense of joy from the Gala Concert. The piano concerto is dramatic, and the symphony has a real sense of happiness and sunny confidence which is infectious.”

The programme opens with Mozart’s Overture to Le nozze di Figaro, a work brimming with wit, energy and operatic charm. Du Toit then takes centre stage in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491, one of the composer’s most profound and dramatic concertos. The Gala Concert concludes with Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 in A Major, the beloved “Italian” Symphony.

Du Toit looks forward to sharing the stage with the CPO and Cock. “The CPO is almost like family to me. It is always special performing with them as I have performed with them for more than 40 years. Richard and I also have a long history of collaboration, and it is wonderful to work with him. I have not performed the Mozart Piano Concerto in many years and look forward it,” he says.

“Nothing compares to hearing a full symphony orchestra in person. Recordings simply cannot capture the scale, colour and power of live orchestral sound. The audience will be able to experience every detail – from the warmth of the strings to the brilliance of the brass and the richness of the woodwinds – while also seeing the remarkable teamwork between the many orchestra musicians performing as one. It is an immersive experience that stays with people long after the final note,” Fuchs says.

He adds that festivals like Klein Karoo Klassique allow the CPO to connect with audiences who may not regularly have the opportunity to experience a full symphony orchestra live. “Festivals create a unique environment where people are often more open to discovering something new. Audiences come with a spirit of curiosity and for many people, a festival may be their first opportunity to hear a full symphony orchestra live. That first experience can be transformative and often leads to a lifelong appreciation of orchestral music. Therefore, festivals play an important role in broadening audiences and making classical music more accessible.”

Cock adds that festivals draw on a wide variety of concertgoers, some of whom come for a particular reason, but then try out something else and find they like it. “This is a brilliant programme for people like that with such brilliant music. I will introduce it, to make it even more accessible.”

In conclusion, Cock says the ambience of Oudtshoorn is what makes performing there special. “Everything during the festival is close at hand: There is good food, good company and brilliant music. Do not miss it.”

The Klassique Gala Concert takes place in the Oudtshoorn Civic Centre on Friday 7 August at 19:00 and tickets are selling fast.

Klein Karoo Klassique takes place in Oudtshoorn from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August. The programme includes classical music recitals, literature, art, food and wine. The festival is presented by the KKNK, made possible by the Rupert Music Foundation and the ATKV, with support from Le Lude, RSG, Oudtshoorn Courant and the Oudtshoorn Municipality.

The accommodation sponsors for this winter festival include Argyll B&B, Beit Shalom, Cul de Sac, De Zeekoe, Kleinplaas Holiday Resort, Miles B&B Guesthouse, Oudtshoorn Inn, Pictures Boutique Hotel, Protea Hotel Riempie Estate, Queen’s Hotel, Ravenscliff Manor, Rosenhof Country House and Thylitshia Villa.

.The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of maestro Richard Cock, share the stage with acclaimed pianist François du Toit for the Klassique Gala Concert on Friday 7 August at 19:00.