DIANE DE BEER

Soloist/accompanist/lecturer Charl du Plessis is all about music. He is constantly travelling all over the world, but everything is about the performance – or occasionally catching one of his cherished artists either in the classical or jazz genres.

His annual classical festival at the Fairtree Atterbury Theatre has become legendary in a very short time because of its innovative programming as well as the acclaimed artists participating.

Where he finds the time for everything he packs into his life, we all wonder, but not for too long, because all of those who share his musical bent, benefit from his crazy schedules which are always varied and adventurous. Similarly, this year, it will be difficult to choose from excellent programming, but it doesn’t happen more than once a year, so be generous and treat yourself.

Here is a rundown of the perfectly planned programming with a fantastic performance celebrating the Fairtree Atterbury Theatre:

Atterbury Klassiek 2026 21-24 May (Presented by Atterbury Trust Fairtree Atterburyteater

VOX CHAMBER CHOIR: GLASS MUSIC

The Vox Chamber Choir, founded in 2017 by Franco Prinsloo, is a Pretoria-based ensemble of 40 highly skilled singers dedicated to performing and recording Prinsloo’s compositions.

Prinsloo, an internationally acclaimed composer, has played a significant role in shaping South Africa’s contemporary classical music landscape. The choir serves as a professional platform to bring his innovative works to life.

Fairtree Atterbury Theatre Thursday, 21 May 19:30 seatme.co.za (R190, R250) (duration 60 min)

Charl du Plessis Trio & Friends need no introduction. The celebration of two decades on stage reaches its pinnacle in what should be a spectacular concert featuring the trio  alongside a remarkable lineup of guest artists. The programme consists of a curated selection of works drawn from the Trio’s 10 albums, as well as brand-new material performed live for the first time. On offer is both a retrospective and a glimpse into the future, capturing the Trio’s signature blend of classical refinement, jazz energy, and crossover innovation. Joining them on stage are guest artists: percussionist and marimba virtuoso Magda de Vries as well as guitarist and long-time collaborator Juan Oosthuizen and iconic vocalist Nataniël. This is a celebration of musical connection, creativity, and the enduring life force of music itself.

Fairtree Atterbury Theatre Friday, 22 May 19:00 seatme.co.za (R330, R280, R220) (duration 80 min)

Introduction to the Orchestra: A Magical, Interactive Concert Experience for Children at Atterbury Klassiek 2026

Step inside the world of the orchestra in this vibrant and engaging concert-lecture designed for curious minds of all ages. It’s a musical journey through the different sections of the ensemble, uncovering how each family of instruments contributes its own colour, character, and voice. From the shimmering strings to the bold brass, this interactive experience brings the orchestra to life through live demonstrations, familiar musical examples, and moments of audience participation. Discover how composers combine these sounds, explore the building blocks of orchestral music, and gain insight into the creative process behind the music. Conducted by Richard Cock, whose engaging and audience-friendly style has inspired music lovers, this concert promises to be as entertaining as it is enlightening.

Fairtree Atterbury Theatre Saturday, 23 May 11:30 seatme.co.za (R100 children R200 adults) (duration 60 min)

Mozart’s Three Pianos

Three Steinway Grand Pianos will share the stage in an historic Mozart celebration at the Fairtree Atterbury Theatre. The concert will feature the Phoenix Co Orchestra under the baton of maestro Richard Cock. The highlight will be Mozart’s rarely performed Concerto for 3 pianos in F major, K. 242, an exuberant work that showcases the brilliance and interplay of three soloists performing together: distinguished pianists Charl du Plessis, Megan-Geoffrey Prins and Tessa Rhoodie – all faculty members of the University of Pretoria.

The programme also includes Mozart’s sparkling Concerto for 2 pianos in E-flat major, K. 365. Du Plessis will be joined by rising star Hermanus Schmidt, winner of the 2025 Atterbury National Piano Competition and the Hennie Joubert Piano Competition. Originally from Stellenbosch, Schmidt is currently a student of renowned South African pianist Mario Nell.

Fairtree Atterbury Theatre Saturday, 23 May 18:00 Sunday, 24 May 15.00 seatme.co.za (R330, R280, R220) (duration 75 min)

And to top it all, not strictly speaking part of the festival, yet landing with a celebratory blast off:

Fairtree Atterbury Theatre’s 15th Birthday Celebration with  Charl du Plessis – My Favourite Things — a personal journey through classical and jazz piano.  18 May | 19:00 | R200       Moving seamlessly between classical piano repertoire and jazz-inflected reinterpretations, Du Plessis creates a musical journey that balances elegance, spontaneity and expressive depth. The programme features works by Brahms, Chopin and Rachmaninoff with imaginative crossover arrangements of Mozart and Beethoven.   Well-loved melodies such as Salut d’amour, Rustle of Spring and Bésame Mucho are reimagined through Du Plessis’ distinctive pianistic lens, where lyricism and rhythmic vitality coexist effortlessly.   Also included are an improvisation on Somewhere Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz and a sensitive arrangement of the traditional South African song Ntyilo Ntyilo, underscoring Du Plessis’ longstanding engagement with improvisation and musical storytelling.   BOOK TICKETS