Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra Returns to Klein Karoo Klassique 2026 After 13-Year Absence

The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) will make a highly anticipated return to Klein Karoo Klassique 2026, performing at the festival for the first time in 13 years. Classical music lovers can look forward to an unforgettable Klassique Gala Concert featuring celebrated conductor Richard Cock and acclaimed South African pianist François du Toit.

Taking place on Friday, 7 August at 19:00 in the Oudtshoorn Civic Centre, the Gala Concert promises a world-class programme of timeless masterpieces from the Classical and Romantic eras. The evening opens with Mozart’s Overture to Le nozze di Figaro, followed by Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491, performed by Du Toit, before concluding with Mendelssohn’s joyful Symphony No. 4 in A Major, the “Italian” Symphony.

According to Adriaan Fuchs, CEO and Artistic Director of the CPO, bringing a full professional symphony orchestra back to Oudtshoorn is an exciting milestone. He says opportunities to experience a live orchestra outside Cape Town are rare, making this performance especially significant for festival audiences. Whether seasoned classical music enthusiasts or first-time concertgoers, everyone can expect an accessible and memorable musical experience.

Richard Cock says he is delighted to conduct a larger orchestra than in previous festival appearances and has carefully selected a programme filled with beloved masterpieces. He believes audiences will leave inspired by the dramatic beauty of Mozart’s concerto and the uplifting energy of Mendelssohn’s celebrated symphony. To make the performance even more welcoming, Cock will introduce each work from the stage.

For François du Toit, returning to perform with the CPO is deeply personal. Having appeared with the orchestra for more than four decades, he describes the musicians as family and says he is especially looking forward to performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 again after many years.

Fuchs believes festivals such as Klein Karoo Klassique play an important role in introducing new audiences to orchestral music. Experiencing a live symphony orchestra, he says, offers a richness, colour and emotional impact that recordings simply cannot replicate, often inspiring a lifelong appreciation for classical music.

Klein Karoo Klassique takes place in Oudtshoorn from 7 to 9 August 2026, featuring an exciting programme of classical music, literature, visual arts, food and wine. Presented by the KKNK, the festival is made possible by the Rupert Music Foundation and the ATKV.

Tickets for the Klassique Gala Concert are selling fast. Visit klassique.co.za for bookings and the full festival programme.