The West Coast town of Darling is set to come alive over two weekends from 3-12 February with the 2012 Darling Music Experience; a wonderfully varied programme.

In 2012, the programme of this West Coast Classical Music Festival focuses on some of the greatest music ever written. Exemplary South African and international artists will perform fresh interpretations of classical music in the light-hearted atmosphere that has distinguished this festival since its inception in 2006.

Under the artistic directorship of Andreas Kern you can expect great music, packaged dynamically, ranging from classical solo recitals on cello, guitar, marimba and organ to a jazzed up gig by a brass quintet. Furthermore: the recorder will team up with a guitar, the cello with a piano, the marimba with a penny whistle, the lute with a piano and a most talented soprano with a festival choir. A baroque ensemble, playing on original instruments, and a trombone duo will complete the diverse programme.

The music is put into a context by a number of 30 minute talks/discussions and workshops for the children.

Performing artists include:

• Maurice Steger, the recorder virtuoso from Switzerland is one of the most influential and popular soloists of his generation
• James Grace, the South African concert guitarist is the 2011 KykNet Fiesta Award winner
• Marian Lewin, the doyenne of cellists in South Africa
• Magda de Vries, South Africa’s classical marimba player extraordinaire
• Hans Huyssen, cellist and composer- 2010 Helgaard Steyn Award winner
• Derek Gripper, groundbreaking South African guitarist
• German lutenist Uwe Grosser; the Austrian trombone duo Christian Radovan and Alois Eberl
• Soprano Maudee Montierre, winner of the Samro Overseas scholarship 2011
• Eben Wagenstroom, organ, winner of the Artscape National Youth Music Competition 2011
• and The Solid Brass Quintet.

Baroque, Bach and Bacchus:

The pairing of spirited musical performances with good food and wine form an integral part of the festival. This is reflected in the choice of venues which include wine farms in the Darling Hills and a beach restaurant close by.

Other venues include art galleries, barns and the Dutch Reformed Church with its outstanding organ. The main venue is the beautiful, century old, very intimate Darling Presbyterian Church.
This Darling Bach Festival is not only Bach but uniquely Darling. This also means that all profits will be invested in the “El Systema” inspired musical education programme “Darling Music for All”.

For more information: www.darlingmusic.org, follow us on Facebook or e-mail [email protected].

For bookings call Chanda 078 297 0221 or 022 492 3995; e-mail:[email protected]