Silver Mountain Music Festival October 2022 Spring Edition

Join Jacques Marais for a photographic workshop in the Grootvadersbosch forest where he will share the art of capturing the perfect photograph using your smart phone. Learn some of the secrets of harnessing light to reflect the world around you from one of the best in the field. Adults, R200. Children under 14, R150 (under 5 free). 

Nature and Art come together in this unique event. Join renowned Naturalists as they introduce the special creatures of the Grootvadersbosch forest. Each species has been captured in a nature portrait, by local artist, Donovan Julius. Donovan will share his artistic, colourful and vibrant visual arts creative process, while leading scientists explore the creatures’ natural history. The session will end with the unveiling of a large artwork of the Grootvadersbosch forest and a discussion on the challenges facing our natural world. Adults, R120. Children under 14, R100 (under 5 free). 

Join craft brewer, Fraser Creighton, from Folk & Goode as he brings together a fascinating history of beer, paired with uniquely selected beer tastings. Folk & Goode's ethos is to respect the traditional art of brewing and to craft beers for true aficionados. The beer is paired with a delicious Skeiding Farm lunch of crusty parmesan bread bake with smoky tomato beans, and a boerewors bite. This unique culinary and beer experience is not to be missed. Adults, R200. Children under 14 R150 for lunch (under 5 free).

Experience life on a real dairy farm and learn some special secrets about the magical goodness of milk. You’ll discover why the Grootvadersbosch cows produce some very special milk. Not all milk is created equal! This year we explore a long standing dairy in the valley but new to the festival. Adults R100, Children under 14 R80 (under 5 free).

Join us for a unique concert at Olivedale Wines, located in the heart of the Overberg, where vineyards prosper, and you can find a wonderful boutique wine cellar. This concert will feature musical performances by the Silver Mountain Quintet, pairing musical numbers chosen by winemaker, Carl van Wijck which reflect the character of each wine. You will hear from Carl about his wine making adventures, and the unique ‘wines of nature’ that are produced from this vineyard. The programme includes numbers with a nature-inspired theme ranging from Moon River to the famous 1964, Fiddler on the Roof. Join us for a celebration of wine music and nature. Includes a light finger supper and wine tasting. Adults R300. Not Recommended for Children.

Start the day with a fresh cup of local clock peaks coffee brew and then join naturalists Chris Martens, Dr Andrew Turner, and Ruper Koopman for a wander down the Grootvadersbosch River, while they discuss the incredible bird and plant life that this area is renowned for. A spring festival gives us a unique opportunity to discover birds when they are in full song. The walk will end at a river side picnic spot where freshwater ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan, and the Grootvadersbosch team will show off their amazing indigenous freshwater fish diversity. The morning will end with a lovely Skeiding Guest Farm picnic by the river, accompanied by the perfect picnic drink from CANCAN wine. Dress warmly with comfortable shoes. Adults R250, Children under 14, R200 (under 5 free).

The famous Shed Concert is always the climax of the festival, and this year will be no exception. The programme includes the Mzansi Tenors, supported by RMB and led by Sipho Fubesi. They will delight you with South African standards by Miriam Makeba to Neapolitan favourites, like O Sole Mio and Santa Lucia. They will be joined by the The Zolani Youth Choir, a local community choir from Ashton. This musical spectacular is hosted and conducted by Maestro Richard Cock, accompanied by the Silver Mountain Quintet. The event will include other local favorites like the Barrydale Riel Dancers. Local visual artists, Donovan Julius, will capture the event on canvas in a vibrant display of music and art. This celebration of community spirit in action is not to be missed. The evening includes a glass of award-winning, Sijnn wine, and a light meal of traditional Bunny Chow. Adults R350, Children under 14, R250 (under 5 free).

Join frog experts Prof Les Minter and Dr Andrew Turner for a wander into the dark forest to discover the amazing amphibians of Grootvadersbosch. The frogs will likely be in full chorus at this time of year and their vocal performances have been known to match the best tenors. Our experienced froggers will use these songs to guide us through the forest. In the past, night hikes have sold out incredibly quickly, so we recommend booking right away to share in this fascinating night journey. Dress warmly with comfortable shoes, wet weather gear and bring a flashlight. Adults R120, Children under 14, R100 (under 5 free).

Join renowned anthropologist, Professor Michael de Jongh, to learn more about the ancestry of the earliest inhabitants of Swellendam. Professor de Jongh is a prominent anthropologist, who has extensively researched the ‘forgotten’ first people of South Africa. He is listed in the Cambridge University Blue Book of Foremost International Scientists. He has published widely in the fields of ethnicity, urbanisation, traditional leadership, local government, and human mobility. The talk will be hosted in the historic reading room of Olyfkrans school in Swellendam. Adults, R100. Not recommended for Children.

A relaxed Sunday morning Coffee Concert with bountiful, beautiful melodies, performed by the Silver Mountain String Quartet (members of the Cape Town Festival Orchestra). The programme will include light classics and pieces from famous musical shows. Coffee and cake will be available for sale at the event. Adults R200. Children under 14, R120 (under 5 free).

The closing concert of the first Spring Silver Mountain Music Festival will feature a smaller group of the Mzansi Tenors at this wonderful country house, accompanied by pianist Sam Riedel. The programme presents famous opera solos and ensembles from Verdi, Donizetti and Puccini. There will also be some lighter musical moments. The afternoon celebration will include a sampling of Jan Harmsgat wine and light finger snacks. Let us steal you away, for one final afternoon of musical magic. Join us to celebrate the wonderful weekend of music, being able to share, perform, engage, enjoy and celebrate life, together. We highly recommend that you stay on and book dinner at the fabulous Jan Harmsgat restaurant. Adults R300. Children under 14, R250 (under 5 free).