WE are almost at the end of the first month of 2026 and everything is back to normal. Looking for weekend plans? Check out our guide to all the events in Durban this weekend.

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Classical music concert
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of classical music. Black Tie Tunes presents ‘Debut’, featuring works by talented young composer Siphokuhle Sibisi, performed by an incredible ensemble of local musicians.

The concert will take place at St Thomas Church, Musgrave Road, on Sunday, February 1 at 14:00.

Among the line-up, the concert will feature: Robert de Vries on flute, Kamogelo Madonsela on French horn, David Smith on piano, Jitske Brien on violin, Catherine Alborough on viola, Sunday Kalechi on cello, and Jonalene Taylor on double bass, accompanied by vocalists from Umlazi.

This concert is the brainchild of a newly-formed music production collaboration, Black-Tie Tunes, whose mission is to promote local classical musicians and composers.

Sibisi is a 19-year-old composer from Umlazi who has captured the attention of many. His piece for choir Khuzani has over 20 000 views on Youtube and has become a mainstay choral work among Zulu-speaking schools in the province. Word of his talent travelled to Gauteng as well, resulting in his music having been selected as examination repertoire for the 2025 SASCE National choral championships.

Canapes are included in the ticket price. Drinks will be on sale, which can be ordered upon arrival.

Tickets through Quicket and at the door, R180 for general admission, R150 for over 60s, and U12s pay R120.

Laugh-out-loud theatrical experience

Don’t miss Aaron and Lisa McIlroy’s new musical comedy, Bump & Grind, at Talloula, Botha’s Hill from January 30 to February 1.

The high-energy musical sketch comedy is expected to deliver a riotous mix of song, dance, quick-fire character comedy and heart. Created under the direction and choreography of Daisy Spencer, the show has already delighted audiences this festive season with its trademark MacBob mayhem and polish.

The music includes numbers from Talking Heads, Lady Gaga, Elvis, The Beatles, Whitney Houston and a climactic medley of ’80s chart hits.

Described by Billy Suter as “a sparkly cracker of song, dance and off-the-wall humour,” Bump & Grind is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud theatrical experience. The show tumbles through a helter-skelter parade of characters – from fan favourites Bruce and Charmaine, as Elvis impersonators, pensioners Beatrice and Max, and super-sage Dr Veejay, to bold new creations including AI androids, Latin dance sensations and an Irish preacher with stand-up ambitions.

There are two acts of 40 minutes with a 20-minute interval. Food and drink will be on sale at the venue. A full bar will be available and picnic baskets are welcome.

Tickets cost R220 via Webtickets or contact Rowena on 082 304 6495 for tickets, meal options and orders.

Music for a summer afternoon
Join Friends of Music for a lovely summer afternoon of music at the Durban Jewish Centre on Sunday, February 1 at 15:00. International pianist Christopher Duigan is joined by soprano Nozuko Teto and saxophonist Maxine Matthews-Meyer. Expect Italian operatic arias, classical songs, and sacred music, plus Duigan’s own compositions.

This delightful musical treat is an afternoon not to be missed. Tickets cost R140 and are available at the door.

Music lovers can look forward to an entertaining performance by star soprano, Nozuko Teto, singing Italian operatic arias from “La bohème”, and “La Wally”, as well as classical, traditional songs and sacred music such as “The Holy City” and “Panis Angelicus”.

Teto was born in Bizana, Eastern Cape. She obtained her Bachelor of Music from UKZN and received her post-graduate diploma in opera from the University of Cape Town.

She was awarded a scholarship to study with soprano Mirella Freni at her CUBEC Academy. During her time in Europe she has sung in many concerts, at the Teatro Comunale Pavarotti in Modena with the Puccini Festival Orchestra, in Amsterdam with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and with the Rotterdam Symphony.

Matthews-Meyer will present a selection of Duigan’s own compositions, including the popular ‘Bar Stool Tango’ and ‘Himeville’ from ‘Four KZN Landscapes’.

Born in Mauritius, Matthews-Meyer studied in Durban before heading to Greece and France to complete a Diplome de Perfectionement with distinction in Besançon, France. Matthews-Meyer joined the teaching staff at The Wykeham Collegiate in Pietermaritzburg at the start of this year.

Duigan is a South African-born pianist, composer and independent classical music entrepreneur who is considered, both by critics and audiences, to be one of the leading concert pianists in South Africa. Duigan, a designated Steinway Artist, has played professionally since 1991. He will play a selection from his programmes, including music by Chopin and Liszt.

For more information, contact friendsofmusic@gmail.com or phone Keith on 071 505 1021.

Elevate your lifestyle at market

Enter the world of indulgence and wonder at the Durban Highway Lifestyle Market on January 31 from 09:00 to 14:00 at the Kloof Civic Hall.

Organiser of the market Sanja Hanekom said the public can expect to find surprises that thrill and food that’s absolutely delicious.

What’s more, there are children’s stalls, fashion, craft, exotic plants, international cuisine, books, collectibles and scents. And it doesn’t stop there, there are retro beats, live tunes, indoor–outdoor flow, free entry and onsite parking.

Start the year with green fingers

Internationally renowned, Pretoria-based rose expert, Ludwig Taschner, is making a rare trip to Durban on Saturday, January 31 to run a summer rose pruning demo at Ludwig’s Star Roses, 6 Fraser Road, Assagay, at 10:30, supported by 1000 Hills Tourism.

Roses need a light pruning every summer so they can cope optimally with the heat and humidity. Roses are really happy with summer conditions, they love sun and damp heat, especially after a gentle pruning, and Ludwig will show you how. Entry is free and all garden enthusiasts are welcome.

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