Jazz & Classical Encounters 2021 Vol 3 at Spier Wine Farm

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The 2021 Jazz & Classical Encounters Festival Vol 3 @ Spier Amphitheatre featuring some of the best South African jazz and classical artists in a feast of contemporary music, takes place on Saturday December 4th, 2021. (TICKETS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR) Amphitheatre will be covered due to high risk of rain.

The one-day festival at Spier Wine Farm Amphitheatre in Stellenbosch begins at 12.30 pm (doors open at 11.30 am) and will touch souls with a mix of jazz and classical icons for the next eight hours. This special edition of that must-see event, paying tribute to many artists who have passed on in the last 12 months and more specifically legendary soprano Mam Sibongile Khumalo and renown Cape Town pianist Andre Petersen, includes refreshment breaks and a chance to absorb the exquisite atmosphere of the estate. 

The show will open with SAMA 2019 Winner pianist Bokani Dyer and his trio who will present new compositions with Sphelelo Mazibuko on drums and Romy Brauteseth on bass. They will be followed by the amazing soprano Zandile Mzazi accompanied by pianist Yohan Chun and bassist Francois Botha. Together they will present work deeply connected with Mam Sibongile Khumalo’s illustrious career. 

Following after them, we are very excited to welcome a superb South African artist classically trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and free music trained at NYU and New England Conservatory, an innovator navigating with ease between Jazz and Classical, violinist Elinor Speirs with her Quintet featuring Brydon Bolton on bass, Brathew van Schalkwyk on piano, Jonno Sweetman on drums and Mark Fransman on saxophone . 

The next act is the amazing and renown New York based South African born pianist, composer and producer Kathleen Tagg. A close collaborator of Andre Petersen (they recorded together the fabulous 2 pianos duo album “Where Worlds Collide”) who will take us on a wonderful exploratory journey, closer to Andre’s magical sounds. 

The festival will end on a high note with the return to the stage after 2 years of absence from one of the leading jazz artists on the South African scene, legendary New Brighton born trumpeter Feya Faku. He will be giving his first leader performance in South Africa after a long absence and recent recordings in Switzerland, and will be accompanied by Bokani Dyer on piano, Shane Cooper on bass, and Ayanda Sikade on drums.  

#jazzandclassicalencounters

Says 2021 Jazz & Classical Encounters Festival organiser and co-producer Aymeric 

Péguillan, of Pegs Music Project: “Another very challenging year in many respects has passed, and one during which we unfortunately lost many amazing artists. Through their musical heritage, and the legacy they left with us, we can rise again and celebrate them, and through them, spread a message of love and joy. This year, we will more specifically pay tribute to 2 immense jazz and classical artists and educators, the incomparable Mam Sibongile Khumalo, a beacon of excellence in both classical and jazz vocal performance, and the unique talent of pianist Andre Petersen. We hope that this very special 3rd edition of the Festival will bring again a huge dose of joy and energy to our audience and followers.”

Péguillan, co-producer with Penny Lane Studios, adds: “We are excited to carry on in spite of restrictions and limitations, and continue the journey started 2 years ago, where we present the best of two musical art forms that uniquely inform our South African identity.”

The spectacular Amphitheatre at Spier provides the ideal venue for the showcase with several outlets for picnic and casual dining. 

Presented proudly in association with Ian Burgess Simpson Pianos and Fazioli.

All COVID Protocols observed. Distancing, temperature and other health check on arrival, MASKS compulsory.

A variety of Food and Beverages available on site during the entire event. NO Cash transactions. Cards and SnapScan only.

The schedule: 

Doors open at 11:30

1st Act – 12.30 pm (Bokani Dyer trio)

1st Break – 1.30 pm (for 45 minutes)

2nd Act - 2.15pm (Soprano Zandile Mzazi with double bass and piano)

2nd Break – 3.15 pm (for 45 minutes)

3rd Act – 4 to 5 pm (Elinor Speirs Quintet)

3rd Break - 5pm (for 45 minutes)

4th Act - 5.45pm (Kathleen Tagg solo performance)

4th Break - 6.45pm (for 60 minutes)

5th Act - 7.45pm (Feya Faku 4tet)

Event Ends: 8.45pm.