If you love classical music, art, books, food and wine, you’re in for a treat: Klein Karoo Klassique returns to Oudtshoorn from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August 2025. It’s the 16th edition of this elegant winter festival, bringing together world-class performances, literary chats, visual art and family-friendly experiences.

What the Klassique is about

The Klein Karoo Klassique is a celebration of classical music set against the beautiful Klein Karoo landscape, presented by Klein Karoo National Arts Festival / Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) in partnership with the Rupert Music Foundation and ATKV, with support from Le Lude and Oudtshoorn Municipality. Across three days, there are nine curated recitals, a visual arts exhibition, book talks, community projects and delightful breakfast and kids’ concerts. It’s a festival that feels refined, caring and engaging – and far from stuffy.

What visitors can expect

Music recitals

Expect stunning performances like:

• Trio du Cap Classique, featuring Rosamund Roth on cello, Liesl Stoltz on flute and José Dias on piano. They will be opening the festival on 8 August with works by Mozart and Farrenc, followed by a free music discussion;
• The Alive String Quartet, performing classical favourites and modern reinterpretations – from Beethoven and Vivaldi to Piazzolla, The Beatles and Coldplay – with narration woven in. A discussion with the musicians follows;
• “Glass House: A Journey Through Minimalist Masterpieces” on 9 August, pairing Charl du Plessis (piano) with the quartet on minimalist composers such as Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt, Max Richter and Michael Nyman. Truely hypnotic and rhythmic compositions that feel both meditative and energizing; and
• The grand Gala Concert on the evening of 9 August, featuring the Cape Town Festival Orchestra under maestro Richard Cock, joined by mezzo‑soprano Nonhlanhla Yende and the Charl du Plessis Trio. Expect a magical orchestral arrangement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and selections from Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Vivaldi.

Free extras for all ages

There’s plenty on the free side of the festival:

• Little Maestros: Interactive harp-and-violin concerts for children (and families) with Jana van der Walt (harp) and Magdalene Minnaar (violin/presenter) on 8 and 9 August at 12:30. Think picnic-style, movement, explanation, and fun with Mozart and Bach, designed to engage young listeners;
• Breakfast Concerts: Each morning at 08:00, enjoy a free recital paired with breakfast: featuring Oudtshoorn pianist Marlene Vlok (8 Aug), Megan‑Geoffrey Prins (9 Aug), and the Charl du Plessis Trio (10 Aug);
• Book discussions: Three literary talks presented by NB Publishers: Friday 8 Aug at 16:00 with PJO Jonker and Marliza van den Berg talking about Die Onsigbare. Then on Saturday at 10:45 Juliette Mnqeta in conversation with Elna van der Merwe (If the Dead Could Talk); and Sunday at 11:00 Willem Anker discusses Patmos with Van der Merwe. Anker is a Hertzog Prize winner, and Patmos premiered at KKNK 2024 and earned a Kanna Award;
• Visual arts exhibition “Sacred Pulse”, curated by René Scribante, blending rhythm and music into visual form. Scribante leads an art walkabout on Friday 8 Aug at 17:00 in the Banqueting Hall (Civic Center, corner of Voortrekker and Langenhoven Road);
• Oudtshoorn ReWOLusie community project invites you to knit or crochet one square in a collective effort to produce blankets for underprivileged communities. You can also donate yarn or take a cozy blanket home to use during recitals.

Why visit Klein Karoo Klassique?

• A rich, cultured weekend: classical music for all tastes, intimate talks and community involvement;
• Engaging for families: from kids’ concerts to morning recitals with breakfast, and some serious works in between;
• Authentic Karoo experience: explore Oudtshoorn including its galleries, Cango Caves, ostrich farms or stay in Oudtshoorn at one of the local guesthouses.

Practical info

• Tickets: Nine recital packages save over 20% – available online or from the KKNK office. Individual recitals may have tickets at the door if available;
• Contact: Visit klassique.co.za, email info@kunste.org.za, phone +27 (0)44 203 8600 or WhatsApp +27 (0)65 285 2337 for more details.

Klein Karoo Klassique is more than just concerts: it’s a creative weekend in the Karoo, climbing rapidly on Oudtshoorn’s annual events calendar, where classical music meets community spirit, artistry and family-friendly fun. Perfect for Garden Route travelers looking for something cultural, elegant – and just a little unexpected.