Cape Town music lovers are in for a treat as the iconic AfroSymphonic show, RMB Starlight Classics,returns to the Great Lawn at Vergelegen Wine Estate for 2 performances only on Friday 28 February and Saturday, 1 March.
The annual showcase of performance excellence has provided a platform for the country’s finest talent in a tradition spanning more than 25 years.
Creative director Darren Hayward says RMB Starlight Classics presents an array of musical genres, from opera and classical music to rock and Afropop, and this year is no different.
“The show is a musical spectacular full of money-can’t-buy moments, involving innovative and unique collaborations that audiences will not see or hear anywhere else,” he said.
The stars featured in this year’s spectacle include Grammy Award-winner Nomcebo Zikode, celebrated operatic soprano Vuvu Mpofu, rock vocalist Ross Learmonth, teen piano prodigy Heinrich Sutton, as well as Mkhanyiseli Dyantyi, Vuyisa Xipu, and Sakhi Martins – three of the celebrated Mzansi Tenors.
The audience will be further delighted by Cape Ballet Africa and the iThemba Youth Choir.
The artists will be accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra under the batons of conductors Brandon Phillips, Chad Hendricks, and Chevonne Plaatjies, who were mentored by maestro Richard Cock.
Following Cock’s planned retirement from the Starlight Classics stage last September, multi-talented performer Katlego Maboe returns to host the show alongside Steinway artist Charl du Plessis.
As audiences have come to expect from RMB Starlight Classics, the repertoire is a convergence of classical music and classic hits, from the foot-tapping Jerusalema and Brenda Fassie’s Weekend Special, to arias such as Casta Diva from Norma and Ah! Mes amis from La fille du régiment.
Maboe said the show is a unique spectacle every year. “The memories made will stay with you and bring a smile to your face every time you think back on the night. They still do so for me, every single time,” he said.
Carolynne Waterhouse, the creative custodian of RMB and one of the founders of RMB Starlight Classics, says the show has a proud legacy of showcasing and developing South African talent.
“Given RMB’s talent brand status, we value creativity in all its forms. Providing this bi-annual entertainment and hospitality showcase in both Cape Town and Johannesburg is our joy and privilege. And the best gift of all is that the audiences leave on a positive note, even inspired to direct their talents to new possibilities,”she said.
Performances for RMB Starlight Classics will take place on 28 February and
1 March. Gates open at 4 p.m., so bring your picnic baskets and enjoy an unforgettable experience. The performances begin at 19h30.
Vergelegen wine will be available for purchase at discounted prices on the night, and no other wines may be brought into the venue.
Tickets are available from Quicket at R450 each.
