Popular and exotic classical music are combined in contemporary Spanish songs to form a richly textured tapestry of sound. This performance will form part of the Calitzdorp Port and Wine Festival, from 15–17 June.
Intense, playful, passionate and magical – Canciones en Española's consists of indigenous Spanish melodies by Enrique Granados and Manual de Falla, as well as music by the Argentinean tango composer Astor Piazzolla.
There is also music from the acclaimed soundtracks of the films Frida (Lila Downs) and Don Juan de Marco (arrangement Bryan Adams), as well as an arrangement of Harold Arlen's Somewhere over the Rainbow by the young South African composer Braam du Toit and a new composition by celebrated composer Matthys van Dijk on a poem from Pablo Neruda's Book of Questions.
Zanne Stapelberg has attained fame as a serious classical artist with unprecedented popular appeal. James Grace is the head of classical guitar at the University of Cape Town and also the winner of the South African National Guitar Competition.
Other highlights on the festival program include:
- Valiant & Wyn: Renowned musicians Valiant Swart and Rudi die Wynmaker will perform at the local school where part of profits generated will be donated to the school Project Fund;
- Rustic Cellar Soiree with popular classical guitarist Benjamin Bushakevitz;
- Klein Karoo Olives: Olive oil & olive tasting presented by Tony and Nita Bailey of Du'SwaRoo Farm.
- Small Plates of the Karoo: Join Chef Leon Nel of the popular Hartebeespoort Restaurant Silver Orange and a local winemaker for a not-to-be-missed gastronomic experience.
- Knibbel en Skater (Nibble and Laugh) with chef Leon and Wine Diva Junel: Popular Cape Wine Master Junel Vermeulen and Chef Leon Nel entertain with delicious dishes expertly paired with the best of Calitzdorp wines.
