The Ndlovu Youth Choir has become one of the world’s most treasured groups. Their unique musical arrangements, powerhouse vocals, irresistibly combined with mesmerising choreography and infectious energy have inspired millions across the globe. Originally an after-school programme for orphaned and vulnerable children, started by the Ndlovu Care Group, it transformed into an international recording and touring career. An incredible run on America’s Got Talent made them the first choir in the history of America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent to reach the final. Legendary music producer and record executive Simon Cowell labelled their AGT performance ‘The best final I have ever sat on in my life’. He went on to sign the choir and together with SYCO and Sony Music they released their first album, which debuted at number one on iTunes.

Meet the CEO of Cape Point Wines and Cellar Master of The Alexander Estate, Hannes Meyer, famous for his passion for life celebrating wine, food & beautiful places.

Don’t miss the opportunity to join him and Chef Shane for a five-course extravaganza, combining Hannes’s new range of Alexander wines and Shane’s delicious fusion paired dishes.

Book early, places are limited.

The perfect entertainment for a Sunday afternoon by the very popular Charl du Plessis Trio, supported by the FynArts Festival Orchestra with Maestro Richard Cock on the podium, playing some of the world’s most popular classics – with their own twist added to ensure your enduring enjoyment – with a glass of Merlot.

This is an immersive, interactive cooking experience transforming participants into chefs for an afternoon. Working together in one kitchen, couples will experience the high-energy environment of creating a full 3-course meal from scratch, plating it, serving it, and then sitting down to enjoy the banquet they helped prepare. The recipes and workflow are designed so that anyone can succeed, regardless of cooking skill, while still feeling challenged and part of something special. Bring your partner, friend, buddy to experience the fun. It blends creativity, pressure, laughter, and collaboration into a memorable afternoon where you become the chefs, the waiters and the guests. It is fast. It tests your nerve. It creates a story you'll remember!

Sluit aan by topverkoperskrywer Irma Joubert vir ‘n intieme gesprek met radio- en TV-persoonlikheid,
Susan Booyens.

Hulle gaan gesels oor haar luisteryke, dekades-lange skryfloopbaan, die vertalings van haar boeke na Nederlands en Duits, die bekendstelling van haar boeke in Amerika, en bowenal, haar nuutste groot treffer, Rebekka van Kameeldoorn.

Written by Elizabeth Strout and adapted by Rona Munro, My Name Is Lucy Barton is the story of a writer reckoning with the legacy of a scarred family life who is coming to terms with the cost of her childhood and the rewards of her art.

My Name Is Lucy Barton is a story for anyone who has questioned how family defines oneself.

It is a powerful narrative of hope and triumph about a woman who finds her truth and reclaims her story. The production stars multiple award-nominated actor Julie-Anne McDowell (The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Revlon Girl) and is directed by multiple-award winning Charmaine Weir-Smith (The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Train Driver). Design is by Kieran McGregor (Expelled).

Join the Lenci family for a live pasta-making demonstration exploring traditional Italian techniques.

Watch fresh pasta mixed, rolled and shaped entirely by hand while learning time-honored methods, practical tips and insider insights - then sit back and enjoy a tasting in a relaxed, informative setting.

Limited to 20 guests - book early to avoid disappointment.

Written by Elizabeth Strout and adapted by Rona Munro, My Name Is Lucy Barton is the story of a writer reckoning with the legacy of a scarred family life who is coming to terms with the cost of her childhood and the rewards of her art. My Name Is Lucy Barton is a story for anyone who has questioned how family defines oneself. It is a powerful narrative of hope and triumph about a woman who finds her truth and reclaims her story. The production stars multiple award-nominated actor Julie-Anne McDowell (The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Revlon Girl) and is directed by multiple-award winning Charmaine Weir-Smith (The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Train Driver). Design is by Kieran McGregor (Expelled).

Three formidable industry insiders with big ideas around the economic future of this continent, bring breakthrough insights around the forces shifting the global financial landscape. TJ Strydom (Capitec, Stalking Giants), Phakamisa Ndzamela (Cape Flats to the JSE) and former CEO of MTN, Phuthuma Nhleko (The Invisible People), chat to Twanji Kalula about the game-changing South African innovations and trends that are breaking traditional banking and enabling a more inclusive economy.

Showcasing the colours, virtuosity, and nuances of combining organ and violin. The concerto opens with a Fanfare from Telemann’s Baroque Violin Sonata in F major, followed by the meditative Rheinberger Suite, Op. 166. The audience is then transported to heavenly heights with Vaughan Williams’s ‘’The Lark Ascending’’ and brought back to earth in Saint-Saëns’s charming Oboe Sonata (here adapted for Violin and Organ).

Join us for a book and a bottle – or two. It’s going to be a big wine night out. Starting with a glass of
welcoming bubbly at 6pm and a panel discussion: News24 wine editor Daléne Fourie grills author Bridget Hamilton Russell (Red Tape), winemaker Craig Wessels (Restless River), and wine journalist Christian Eedes (Winemag) on the state of wine writing; is it ratings, is it critical journalism, is it cultural legacy, or is it just marketing masquerading as journalism? This will be followed by a wine tasting and delicious paired snacks.

Includes tasting & snacks

When the rewards are death threats, financial turmoil and reputational attacks, is cracking criminal cases and whistleblowing ever truly worth it? In this News24 breakfast event, Twanji Kalula chats to Micah Reddy (Malema, Money. Power. Patronage), Jeff Wicks (The Shadow State), and Kyle Cowan (Mafia Land) weighing up the costs of writing dangerous books about dangerous people, versus the cost of saying nothing and enduring endless commissions, ongoing corruption and lack of service delivery.

Includes breakfast

Discover the secrets behind Italy’s most comforting dish.

Learn about rice varieties, timing, and technique as flavour is built step by step, revealing how to achieve perfect texture through method, explanation, and expert guidance.

Limited to 20 guests, book early to avoid disappointment.

This is an immersive, interactive cooking experience transforming participants into chefs for an afternoon. Working together in one kitchen, couples will experience the high-energy environment of creating a full 3-course meal from scratch, plating it, serving it, and then sitting down to enjoy the banquet they helped prepare. The recipes and workflow are designed so that anyone can succeed, regardless of cooking skill, while still feeling challenged and part of something special. Bring your partner, friend, buddy to experience the fun. It blends creativity, pressure, laughter, and collaboration into a memorable afternoon where you become the chefs, the waiters and the guests. It is fast. It tests your nerve. It creates a story you'll remember!

Award-winning author Kopano Matlwa (Coconut, Period Pain, Bosadi) chats to un-award-winning author Paige Nick (Book People) about winning the 2007 European Union Literary Award for Debut Fiction for Coconut, as well as her latest novel, Bosadi, longlisted for the Sunday Times Fiction Award in 2025. We’ll be chatting about Kopano’s writing life, the books she’s written that have broken the mould, and what makes award-winning writing.

Die Siel van Eugène Marais met Daniel Anderson, begelei deur Paul Ferreira, is ’n dramatiese reis deur die innerlike wêreld van een van Suid-Afrika se mees komplekse en tragiese literêre figure. Teen die agtergrond van ’n onstuimige tydperk in die land se geskiedenis, verken ons Marais as ’n onwaarskynlike Afrikanerheld wat buite die grense van die tradisionele ikoon leef. Sy metamorfose – van sjarmante joernalis en student in Londen tot gebroke man – word belig deur sy eie gedigte, poëtiese inkopies in sy siel. Musiek verweef deur verskeie kunstenaars onthul die man agter die mite: ewe gebreek as briljant.

Marina Erasmus (Soprano), Jared Hanekom (Bass), Raimondo van Staden-Slabbert (Tenor), Johanna Roos, Veronica Bell (Violin), Dawid Botes (Viola), Nitha Roos (Cello), Mario Nel (Harpsichord), Liesl Stolz (Flute), Johan van der Merwe (Narrator)

Koffiewinkels kom soos bossies op in SA – maar daar is niks nuuts onder die son nie! Europa ontdek koffie 400 jaar gelede, sedertdien spruit koffiehuise oral op en word mense betower deur die drankie! Bach komponeer sy komiese Koffiekantate in die 1730’s as kommentaar op hierdie sosiale gebeurtenis. ’n Inleiding vol welbekende Afrikaanse volksliedjies vermeng met komposisies van Bach, bekoor die gehoor.

Sopraan Marina Pienaar is verhoogregiseur en in die hoofrol, Johan van der Merwe (spreker) gee komiese kommentaar oor ‘n steeds relevante koffieverhaal, Johanna Roos het die musiek verwerk en lei die ensemble van tien uitstaande musikante.

As we enter a critical local government election year, what’s next for South Africa’s political landscape? What election schemes will flailing politicians resort to to retain their power? Will the GNU be a GN-YES or a GN-NO? And where will the ANC be twelve months from now? Adriaan Basson looks into our political future with Max du Preez (The End of Normal), Pieter Du Toit (The Dark Prince) and Anthony Butler (Presidential Power), in this exclusive News24 breakfast event.

Includes breakfast

A live demonstration focused on crafting light, delicate butternut gnocchi, finished with nutty burnt butter and fragrant sage.

Observe technique, flavour balance, and presentation while learning the full process behind this seasonal Italian favourite – from start to finish.

Limited to 20 guests - book early to avoid disappointment.

This is an outreach programme, and our young local audiences will be invited. Johanna Roos is an acclaimed violinist, chamber musician, and educator. She has studied and performed internationally, led ensembles, and directed music festivals. This is an opportunity for our young people to meet the instruments of the orchestra and be enchanted by how musicians produce all those wonderful sounds – facilitated by a passionate educator and celebrated musicians.

Ian Hunter, Senior Art Specialist at Strauss & Co., is passionate about art and brings extensive knowledge of history and artists to his role. He has helped value major private and corporate collections in South Africa. As a practising painter and graphic artist, Ian explores nature through expressive screenprints. In his upcoming talk, he will share insights into the Hermanus region’s art and artists.

We all have a story to tell but just how to tell it can be daunting. There are so many different types of
life-story, which one’s for me? Autobiography or biography, family history, travelogue, or chronicle, essay, confession, or is it what everyone calls a memoir? And what is a memoir anyhow? If any of these topics resonate with you and you want to write up your experience, then join this two-hour masterclass to learn how to develop your life-story, describe and present real people, create believable dialogue, and compile your research into a riveting account.

Cinema Serenade celebrates the world of the silver screen, seamlessly moving from opera to jazz through some of the greatest arias and ballads ever written. Louise Howlett is a classically trained soprano who can effortlessly slip from classical to jazz and Broadway. She is an avid promoter of classical music as well as a presenter on Fine Music Radio. Pianist Albert Combrink is celebrated as performer, speaker, historian and teacher and Dylan Tabisher is a multi-faceted musician, equally at home performing with the CPO or in a club with skills ranging from jazz bass to classical marimba. From movies of the silver age such as Casablanca and A Room with a View, to the Rat Pack era and James Bond, to the silver screen’s Broadway musicals. This concert has something for everyone.

A programme of musical reflections and remembrances. Classical marimba virtuoso Dylan Tabisher presents musical reflections featuring works that have continually inspired and remained with him throughout his journey – from the very first Bach Prelude he learned, to works he studied and performed in Tokyo, Japan, with the legendary marimba artist, Keiko Abe. This special programme showcases the dynamic and expressive range of the 5 Octave Concert Marimba, from explosive virtuosity to the simplicity and beauty of a peaceful hymn. A perfect introduction for students and pure enjoyment for all.

This is an immersive, interactive cooking experience transforming participants into chefs for an afternoon. Working together in one kitchen, couples will experience the high-energy environment of creating a full 3-course meal from scratch, plating it, serving it, and then sitting down to enjoy the banquet they helped prepare. The recipes and workflow are designed so that anyone can succeed, regardless of cooking skill, while still feeling challenged and part of something special. Bring your partner, friend, buddy to experience the fun. It blends creativity, pressure, laughter, and collaboration into a memorable afternoon where you become the chefs, the waiters and the guests. It is fast. It tests your nerve. It creates a story you'll remember!

Mike Nicol (Falls the Shadow) chats to two writing sensations, Sally Andrew (Wild Things Never Die,
the latest Tannie Maria mystery) and Tony Park (Die by the Sword). They’ve both created global bestselling franchises that have led to awards, movie deals – and auctions where people can win the opportunity to appear in their books. Step into the wild with these two hugely successful authors and their new bush-based thrillers.

In this fun, insightful panel, trend analyst and futurist Dion Chang (A Pawfect Life) chats to animal behaviour expert Lenke Elferink, unpacking the latest pet trends from his new book – from CBD treats for anxious dachshunds to birthday pawties and pawternity leave for pet owners. There’ll also be insights into how much we spend on our furry overlords and why, along with the age-old debate: does treating pets like tiny humans help or hinder?

The story takes place in Zanzibar, in 1873. Our heroine is a very independent and very musical mermaid with a host of friends under the sea and – by the end of the show – some on land as well. When Zanzi is caught by pirates and has to fight for her freedom, her friends from land and sea unite to help her. Like all of Pedro’s shows this is an exploration of world music, made accessible to all. Instruments are made out of all things ocean-related: dry seaweed, shells, flotsam and jetsam, even fishing rods and shipwrecked amphora are used to make magical sounds. Of course, Pedro cannot play all of these instruments on his own and audience participation plays a major part.

Farida Bacharova enjoys an active career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral leader and pedagogue. A former concertmaster of the USSR State Maly Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Farida is currently guest concertmaster of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dr Esthea Kruger is Head of Keyboard Studies, Piano, at the South African College of Music at UCT. She holds BMus and MMus degrees from Stellenbosch University, a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas, and a Meisterklassendiplom and a masters in Liedgestaltung from the Hochschule für Musik Würzburg. She has won prizes at major South African competitions and was the first music student to receive Stellenbosch University’s Chancellor’s Medal in 2009. Apart from her solo performances, Esthea performs as a soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician in South Africa and abroad, including the 2018 DAVOS FESTIVAL in Switzerland. She founded “Neues Lied,” an art song festival held in Germany since 2018 and Cape Town since 2022, which won the City of Würzburg’s Culture Prize in 2020.

Graham du Plessis has worked with a variety of orchestras including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Since returning to SA, Graham enjoys freelancing as a performer. He also teaches at the University of Cape Town.

Step into a night of authentic Italian flavours and a touch of drama with Fabio Lenci!

Our Deli Dining Set Menu is no American Italian - its's proper, classic and unforgettable. Enjoy a welcome drink, our signature bread service and a four-course feast featuring Antipasti, Primo, Secondo and Dolce, each with multiple options to suit every palate. Finish the evening with a traditional after-dinner liqueur and savour the artistry, technique and bold flours of Italy without leaving the city. Seats are limited - secure your place at the table for a true Italian culinary experience.

The story takes place in Zanzibar, in 1873. Our heroine is a very independent and very musical mermaid with a host of friends under the sea and – by the end of the show – some on land as well. When Zanzi is caught by pirates and has to fight for her freedom, her friends from land and sea unite to help her. Like all of Pedro’s shows this is an exploration of world music, made accessible to all. Instruments are made out of all things ocean-related: dry seaweed, shells, flotsam and jetsam, even fishing rods and shipwrecked amphora are used to make magical sounds. Of course, Pedro cannot play all of these instruments on his own and audience participation plays a major part.

One is a theoretical physicist and internationally renowned advocate for off-world exploration, preparing humanity for a future beyond earth. The other is a journalist turned bestselling author. Both have their heads in the stars dreaming about space travel from the past and future. Join us at SANSA (South Africa’s own NASA) as Daleen Fouché, SANSA Communications Practitioner, chats to Dr Adriana Marais (Out of this World into the Next) and Penny Haw (The Woman and her Stars) about their books exploring the heavens. And experience SANSA’s 24/7 Space Weather Centre live in action.

Please note: this event is 1.5 hours.

Join us for a special performance by primary schools in Greater Hermanus, and share in the pure enthusiasm of children expressing themselves through song. Celebrate the joy of singing together and the dedication of these young performers – and their teachers – in an uplifting and memorable event.

Choirs will rotate throughout the morning and audience members are welcome to arrive or leave between items.

We’re having a Big Book Club Showdown. Bring your book club, or come solo to help us debate. What’s best, online, IRL or as a podcast? Silent reading or loud debating fuelled by wine? Big or small? What’s the best kind of book club? Bongani Kona gets the debate raging with Paige Nick (Book People), founder of the Facebook book club, The Good Book Appreciation Society, Shawn Buck, founder of Cape Town Silent Book Club, Ann-Maree Tippoo, co-founder of IRL Mother City Book Club and John Bradshaw, founder of the Non-fiction Book Club Podcast.

Welcome to WindWorx, a dynamic Symphonic Wind Ensemble comprised of the finest wind and percussion musicians in the Western Cape, including music teachers, current and former symphony players, and professionals from various fields – all united by their musical proficiency.

This 30-strong ensemble’s first ever performance at the Hermanus FynArts Festival promises a musical feast to remember!

Blue Winter, Golden Stage brings together orchestral works inspired by winter’s beauty and the vibrant “blue” hues found in pieces like Blue Shades (Ticheli), and Blue Mambo (Sweeney).

Adding to the magic, melodies from iconic musicals and opera performed by beloved soloists will light up the concert with more colour and charm.

Multi-award-winning musician, performer, composer and music producer Andrew Ford leads an ensemble featuring some of South Africa’s top jazz musicians. Versatile singer, pianist and songwriter, Abigail Petersen is on vocals. Her career spans performance, education, stage and television, with performances in New York and Las Vegas among other international shows. They’ll captivate you with classic Jazz standards, given their own interpretation and a variety of styles – taking us through the rich history of Jazz and the legacy of its greatest interpreters to some of the latest trends and Jazz hits. You’ll be swinging and clapping along – a show not to be missed!

Cape Town (and Hermanus) Silent Book Club is a BYOB (bring your own book) community where readers gather in public spaces to read silently, but together.

It’s totally free to join and all you have to do is show up with your book. Once we get settled, we sit and read silently for an hour. After that attendees are welcome to mingle and chat. Come join us!

Join award winning Wine Maker Michelle Waldeck from top local winery Benguela Cove for a decadent afternoon of food and wine spanning five courses.

Each dish expertly paired by Chef Shane to satisfy the adventurous and to showcase our brilliant local, cool climate wines.Book early, places are limited.

Founded in 1914 as the Cape Town Municipal Orchestra, the CPO has evolved through various incarnations but maintains its historical roots as the oldest continuous symphony orchestra in Africa. It is a multi-functional orchestra, accompanying opera, ballet and musicals, presenting schools and community concerts, and delivering a world-class service as the orchestra for all to the region.

Participating in festivals and concerts across all genres of music, the CPO is arguably the most versatile and active orchestra on the continent of Africa, and we are excited to present a full symphonic programme to officially close the 2026 Hermanus FynArts Festival.