Classical music has been the soundtrack to being human for centuries. The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees Classical Music programme continues to bring stellar performances and world-renowned artists that connect people across all walks of life with music. Read on to find our top picks for classical music performances at Woordfees 2025.
Opera Performances at Woordfees 2025
The Barber of Seville
The Barber of Seville, directed by Sylvaine Strike with William Berger (Figaro) and Megan Kahts (Rosina), creates genuine laughter through clever wordplay and comedic mishaps. Renowned for her inventive, physically expressive storytelling, Sylvaine draws on her extensive background in theatre and commedia dell’arte to deliver a production rich in charm, movement, and vivid characterisation.
Cost: R170 – R350. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 12, 14 and 16 October 2025 | 7.30pm
Where: Spier Amphitheater, R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch
Our Favourite Things about The Barber of Seville
The Magic Flute / Die towerfluit
The Magic Flute / Die towerfluit has been reimagined with young learners in mind and uses Mozart’s enchanting melodies to drive an energetic production that will captivate both the young and the young at heart. It is performed in multiple languages. This production creates the perfect opportunity to expose young people to the beauty of classical music.
Cost: R130 – R260. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 11 – 14 October 2025 | 11th and 12th: 12 noon | 13th: 3pm | 14th: 11am
Where: HMS Bloemhof Centre, Koch Rd, Krigeville, Stellenbosch
All About The Magic Flute
Operagunstellinge II
Operagunstellinge II is a selection of well-known opera arias, which brings desire, drama, excitement and technical mastery to the works of Mozart, Handel, Donizetti and many more. Lynelle Kenned, Minette du Toit-Pearce, William Berger and Corneil Muller are known for their passionate performances and never fail to enthrall audiences.
Cost: R190 – R270. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 17 October 2025 | 7pm
Where: Standard Bank Endler, 45 Victoria St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Other Classical Music Performances at Woordfees 2025
Beethoven’s Triple Concerto
Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the incomparable Peter Martens, Suzanne Martens and Elna van der Merwe offers a rare treat: three soloists – piano, violin, and cello – in a dynamic musical conversation, accompanied by piano and kettle drums. This vibrant interplay creates thrilling moments of competition and collaboration, showcasing both the individual virtuosity of the performers as well as the magic that exceptional ensemble work brings.
Cost: R190 – R270. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 17 October 2025 | 4pm
Where: Standard Bank Endler, 45 Victoria St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Bach to Bolling
In Bach to Bolling, Peter Martens joins the ever-popular Charl du Plessis Trio in Bolling’s Suite for Cello and Jazz that brilliantly fuses classical cello and jazz rhythms in a crossover masterpiece that is both sophisticated and, well, groovy. This will be preceded by Bach’s Suite No. 2 for solo cello which has been reworked to include a jazz swing that adds syncopated rhythms to Bach’s mathematical beauty while preserving the suite’s structural elegance. A masterclass in fusion and timelessness that creates fresh conversations between the classical and contemporary worlds.
Cost: R190 – R270. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 11 October 2025 | 7.30pm
Where: Standard Bank Endler, 45 Victoria St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Klavier-extravaganza II
In Klavier-extravaganza II, Nina Schuman, Megan-Geoffrey Prins, Pieter Grobler, Francois du Toit, Esthea Kruger and Sue Paterson-Jones will lead Stellenbosch University music students on 10 pianos as they create pure musical magic. The Standard Bank Endler will ring with the thunderous power, intricate harmonies and playful synchronizations in this electrifying celebration of piano mastery.
Cost: R180 – R260. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 13 October 2025 | 4pm and 7.30pm
Where: Standard Bank Endler, 45 Victoria St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
From Cape Town to Leipzig
From Cape Town to Leipzig takes audiences on a musical journey that starts with joyful, melodious works by South African composer Allan Stephenson and ends in Leipzig with Mendelssohn’s Piano Sextet which is renowned for its bright beauty and unusual instrumentation.
Cost: R190 – R270. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 16 October 2025 | 7pm
Where: Standard Bank Endler, 45 Victoria St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Da Capo!
Da Capo! presented by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra opened the Franschhoek Chamber Music Festival this year to great acclaim. Featuring works by Halvorsen, Reicha and Mozart, this programme is a jewel of chamber music performance.
Cost: R190 – R270. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 12 October 2025 | 2.30pm
Where: Standard Bank Endler, 45 Victoria St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Choral Music Highlights at Woordfees 2025
Voces Cordis
Since its debut in 2022, Voces Cordis has captivated audiences with its moving performances. This acclaimed choir returns with a fresh programme of choral music, featuring works by Laura Jekabsone, Mia Makaroff and Andrej Makor. Under the direction of André van der Merwe, Voces Cordis – true to its name, Voices of the Heart – promises to entertain, uplift, inspire and tug at your heartstrings. A performance not to be missed from one of South Africa’s leading choirs.
Cost: R180 – R250. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 12 and 19 October 2025 | 12th: 8pm | 19th: 7.30pm
Where: Standard Bank Endler, 45 Victoria St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Souvenirs
The Tygerberg Children’s Choir has travelled the world over since its inception. The sounds of this exceptional choir have echoed in packed halls in Britain, China, America, Scandinavia, Italy, Spain, Germany, Hungary and many more. The notes may fade away after each performance, but the bonds they forge still hold strong today. Let this wonderful choir take you with them on a journey filled with memories, anecdotes, experiences and souvenirs.
Cost: R160 – R240. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 19 October 2025 | 4pm
Where: Standard Bank Endler, 45 Victoria St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Come and share in the beauty of classical music in all its forms at the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, from 11 to 19 October.
Website: woordfees.co.za
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: 079 256 0398
Facebook: Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees
Instagram: @woordfees
Contemporary Music Highlights at Woordfees
