Wakkerstroom Music Festival promises a diverse celebration of classical music

Prepare to be enchanted as the 14th annual Wakkerstroom Music Festival (WMF) graces the picturesque town of Wakkerstroom from March 20 to 23.

This year, the 14th WMF promises a rich tapestry of classical music concerts, showcasing a harmonious blend of world-renowned musicians and the bright, emerging stars of tomorrow.

The 2025 festival pays tribute to classical music giants whose anniversaries we celebrate, including Arvo Pärt’s 90th birthday, the centennial of Erik Satie’s passing, the 150th anniversary of George Bizet’s death, and the 300th birthday of Vivaldi’s timeless masterpiece, The Four Seasons.

Festival audiences can look forward to immersing themselves in a diverse programme designed to appeal to every taste.

From the accessible and charming strains of lighter classical music from the Silver Screen and the intimate atmosphere of French Café jazz to the soulful melodies of traditional Jewish Klezmer music, and the grandeur of opera, classical, romantic, and contemporary classical pieces, this year’s programme offers an exciting journey through the vast and diverse landscape of classical music.

Among the many highlights, audiences will enjoy captivating performances by several chamber ensembles. The Gauteng Guitar Quartet will display their unique sound, while the Umoya Woodwind Ensemble will present pieces by Bach, Ligeti, Ravel, and Bernstein.

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The Pangea String Quartet will perform two cornerstones of the string quartet repertoire Mozart’s String Quartet no 14 and Mendelssohn’s String Quartet no 2 Opus Fantasia, featuring soprano Linelle Wimbles, clarinettist Naledi Dweba, and pianist Annika Burke, will deliver a concert highlighting the exquisite interplay of clarinet, voice, and piano.

Trio Joie de Vivre’s concert, Seasons, will offer a chamber music exploration of life’s metaphorical seasonal phases with pianist Catrien Wentink, flautist André Oosthuizen, and bassoonist Liesl van der Merwe.

Further enriching the programme, flautist Lisa van Wyk, winner of the second International Woodwind Competition, will showcase her virtuosity in a diverse performance, accompanied by Eugene Joubert.

Opera and art song enthusiasts can look forward to recitals by Megan Napier (mezzo-soprano) and Annalien Ball (piano), centred on the poignant theme of Hélas! and a performance of love songs from opera and film by tenor Phenye Modiane, accompanied by Leonie Greyling on violin, and Kerryn Wisniewski on piano.

Back by popular demand, Sempre Opera will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Georges Bizet’s Carmen portrays highlights of the passionate triangle of the world-wise gypsy girl, the jealous soldier who loses everything to love her, and the toreador who will win her.

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For those seeking a lighter touch, The Scullery Quintet’s Padkos and Polyphony promises all-new arrangements of memorable music from across genres, while Shaken not stirred – Songs from the Silver Screen promises a nostalgic journey through cinematic classics arranged for three voices and two pianos.

At its heart, the Wakkerstroom Music Festival is committed to hosting a sustainable classical music festival of exceptional quality, a mission deeply intertwined with the WMF Marimba Ensemble Community Project.

This inspiring outreach initiative brought the joy of music to the community since 2016, providing musical education and performance opportunities for students from Wakkerstroom, Country College, and Volksrust High School.

The WMF Marimba Ensembles will perform a programme spanning classical pieces, vibrant African rhythms, and popular music, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of the local community.

The final programme and weekend concert schedule will be available on February 21 at www.wmfestival.co.za, with online ticket sales opening on February 25.

For more information visit www.wmfestival.co.za and follow the announcements on Facebook and Instagram, @wmfestival and @wm_festival