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Sacred Songs a Capella

The Cape Town Chamber Choir brings their current concert programme, Sacred Song, to Franschhoek on Saturday 8 June at 16h00 in the Dutch Reformed Church.

This will be the choir’s first concert in Franschhoek. The Choir annually connects with music societies and groups, to bring the concert to local audiences. They have had successful performances in Montagu, Tulbagh, Hermanus and Napier over the past few years.

Laura de Kok, Chairperson of the Choir, says Franschhoek was chosen for this performance as it has established itself in the Western Cape as a chamber music focal point with the Dutch Reformed Church at its heart.

The first part of the choir’s current programme focuses on Sacred Songs by German Romantic composers (e.g. Mendelssohn, Rheinberger, Grieg). It includes the Three Sacred Hymns by Rheinberg, featuring the beautiful Abendlied. The second part of our concert brings it closer to home, as they present sacred songs by South African composers. The beautiful Three Nocturnes by Peter Klatzow leads this part, followed by Hans Huyssen, Niel van der Watt and Hendrik Hofmeyr. The last work on the programme, Gebet, was composed and dedicated to the CTCC by Rudolf de Beer.

Tickets are available on Quicket, and on the day at the venue (Snapscan & cash). (No card facilities).  Adults – R150 Students & pensioners R120

Concertgoers are invited to join the choir for a glass of wine afterwards.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

Try the unexpected over the Franschhoek Literary Festival weekend

Bolu Babalola author of Honey & Spice

The Franschhoek Literary Festival is back with a bang, offering book lovers and culture enthusiasts an extraordinary weekend of literary delights from 17 to 19 May 2024. While several author sessions and workshops have sold out, there is still time to avoid disappointment by planning your weekend activities over the next few days.

If you’re overwhelmed and thinking “Where do I start?”, we recommend that you first secure your seat to various sessions on the programme, then make a reservation at some of the top restaurants and wine estates in the Valley.

Here are some of the sessions currently piquing the interest of Festival fans:

Friday, 17 May 2024

  • Screen Grab: Irish romance sensation Cecelia Ahern (PS, I Love You) and SA crime pioneer Angela Makholwa – whose Red Ink is out on Showmax – swap notes on the art of crafting a screen adaptation.
  • The Post-Patriarchy: The books by these three panellists feature queer male protagonists who are fathers, or sons, or both. Koketso Sachane connects the dots with S.J. Naudé (Of Fathers and Fugitives), Wisani Mushwana (A Soft Landing) and Alistair Mackay (The Child).
  • Melodies in Words: An Evening of Art Song and Poetry: Well-known duo Lynelle Kenned (Soprano) and Stefan Lombard (Pianist) introduce old and new art song favourites in German, French and Afrikaans. The programme offering is beautifully brought together by poetic translations read by actress Jazzara Jaslyn.

Saturday, 18 May 2024

  • Sweet and Spicy with Bolu Babalola: Mohale Mashigo spends an hour in the hot-but-hilarious world of British-Nigerian author Bolu Babalola, whose campus-romance blockbuster Honey & Spice exploded on BookTok.
  • In the Thirst Person: Having good sex is apparently easier than writing good sex scenes. But that’s not rocket science, surely? Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane juggles the ins and outs of high-end lit smut with Busisekile Khumalo (Sunshine and Shadows), Joy Watson (The Other Me) and Kobby Ben Ben (No One Dies Yet).
  • Red Ink on Screen: Angela Makholwa and actress Nqobile Nunu Khumalo talk to Mohale Mashigo about the TV adaptation by Showmax of Red Ink, Makholwa’s hit thriller about a writer’s entanglement with a serial killer.

Sunday, 19 May 2024

  • A Cheeky Chat: Join the Cheeky Natives podcasting duo (Alma-Nalisha Cele & Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane) as they shoot the breeze with British-Nigerian author Bolu Babalola (Honey & Spice) and Candice Carty-Williams (People Person).
  • How to Grip Your Reader: Join Danielle Weakley as she learns about the narrative tricks that make a book unputdownable from Femi Kayode (Gaslight), Fiona Snyckers (The Hidden) and Nick Mulgrew (Tunnel).
  • The End of an Ego-System: Don Pinnock talks to Adam Welz (The End of Eden) and Sandra Swart (The Lion’s Historian: Africa’s Animal Past) about the animal–human relationships that have profoundly shaped our history.
  • Flower of Babel: Sandile Ngidi, who judged the entries for the latest (12th) edition of the Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Anthology, explores South Africa’s rich poetic memory with contributors Mapule Ramaila Moswane and Vuyokazi Ngemntu.

All the books featured on the 2024 programme will be on sale at the Festival through Exclusive Books; and are also available at the FLF Exclusive Books Online Store here.

In addition to a stellar lineup of authors and panel discussions, this year’s Festival offers to showcase the hidden gems and unique experiences that make Franschhoek a “must-visit” destination. Here are a few things to do during the festival weekend (or should you decide to extend your stay):

  • Franschhoek Wine Tram adventure: Explore the picturesque vineyards and wineries of Franschhoek aboard the iconic Wine Tram. Sample award-winning wines and indulge in gourmet cuisine while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Valley.
  • Artisanal chocolate tasting: Delight your taste buds with a decadent chocolate tasting experience at one of Franschhoek’s renowned chocolatiers.
  • Hike to Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve: Weather permitting, early birds will be able to embark on a scenic hike in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Western Cape. Enjoy panoramic views of the Valley and encounter diverse flora and fauna along the way.
  • Vintage shopping spree: Take time to browse through Franschhoek’s charming boutiques and antique shops for one-of-a-kind treasures and other satisfying finds. Discover vintage clothing, home décor and collectibles reflecting the town’s rich heritage.

To find out more about what Franschhoek has to offer, click here. For additional information about the Festival and the speakers, including the complete programme and ticket details, please visit the Festival site.

The Oesfees is Back!

If you’re a music lover and into vineyard vibes, diarise this date immediately: 6 April 2024! The popular Solms-Delta Oesfees is returning to Franschhoek and promises to yet again become a highlight on the Winelands’ event calendar.

Some big names such as Spoegwolf, Anton Goosen, Loukmaan Adams, Oom Hannes Coetzee and Schalk Joubert will be taking to the stage at the historic Solms-Delta Wine Estate in addition to much-loved locals with their Boland harmonies.

The day however is about more than music – it’s also about celebrating the end of the harvest and thanking those who have worked so hard to pick and process the grapes.

Says Spoegwolf’s lead singer, Danie Reënwolf du Toit: “We’ve performed at beautiful places but Solms-Delta takes it up a notch. Not only do we get to play our tunes amidst a breath-taking backdrop of vineyards and mountains but are we part of a celebration of teamwork and community!”

The full line-up is: Spoegwolf, Anton Goosen, Loukmaan Adams’  My Cape Town, Frazer Barry, Oom Hannes Coetzee, The Hanepoot Brass Band, Nick Turner, Schalk Joubert, The Solms Delta Optelband, Agri-Got-Talent Winners, Soetstemme & Papier Family.

There will be no shortage of good food and wine for sale so all you need to do is get the kids off their screens and into the car. Oh, and bring a blanket – we will be sitting under the oak trees.

Gates open at 10h00.

Tickets cost R200 and are available at Plankton.mobi (https://plnktn.io/Oesfees)

(Kids under 12, accompanied by their parents, get to enjoy the day for free.)

‘Mosbolletjies’ a Must

Harvest-time is Mosbolletjie time and this year, La Motte makes even more of this iconic treat. Expect all that you love about these seasonal brioche-type buns, but now, other than being made with must (fermenting grape juice), the innovative baking team in the La Motte Bakery also uses a sweet sourdough culture! The result is a richer taste, a more generous size and in general, just more Mosbolletjie!

Art for Everyone

Boschendal X Brundyn open the Winelands’ coolest art destination.

The start of the summer season in the Cape Winelands has coincided with the opening in October 2023 of Boschendal X Brundyn, an inspiring exhibition space bringing a considered, ever-changing selection of art to engage visitors at this historic and much-loved working farm. Having briefly closed during the winter months, Boschendal’s former Manor House gallery has emerged with a more pronounced offering of exhibitions and educational events in partnership with art consultancy Brundyn Arts & Culture (BA&C), positioning the space as a primary art destination for art lovers and collectors.

Celebrate Summer In Style At This Year’s Bubbly And Gin Festival | 11 & 12 November

Living it up at the Bubble and Gin Festival

Summer’s here and what better way to celebrate the start of this fabulous season and festive time than at this year’s Bubbly and Gin Festival, which takes place at Plaisir Wine Estate in Franschhoek. The weekend of 11 and 12 November are the dates you want to save for this social calendar highlight.

Setting the tone will be the live entertainment by Shenfm as you sip on glasses of bubbly and gin cocktails throughout the day. Dress in your finest green and white attire as the Best-dressed lady and gent will be awarded a fabulous prize on the day. Word of advice to the ladies who like to glam it up, your heels won’t like this grass, so dust off those fabulous wedges and designer sneakers to add to your outfit.

La Motte Estate Announces Jan Franschhoek Season II

La Motte Wine Estate is delighted to announce the eagerly anticipated second season of JAN Franschhoek.

This exceptional, seasonal food and wine experience combines the nostalgia of a South African family table with Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s unique sense of culinary innovation and promises to captivate and charm just as much as the first edition. Expect regional traditions, familiar flavours and local ingredients transformed for an adventurous, modern and global palate. Sourced and prepared with the utmost care and consideration, dishes are paired with the estate’s award-winning wines as well as wines from the JAN collection and presented with mesmerising flair around a communal table.

Checkers to Give Away Home Solar Systems Valued At R12 Million

Checkers’ Jason Goliath with one of the systems that can be won.

In a South African first, Checkers has launched a competition that will see 120 winners each walk away with a comprehensive home solar solution worth over R100 000 to help its consumers offset rising energy prices and negate loadshedding challenges.

Each winner will receive a solar system that includes a Conti Solar Inverter (5.5KW), a Conti Battery (Lithium-ion/LifePo4 48V 100AH), six Conti Solar Panels (420W), a Conti Wi-Fi module, and standard home installation.

“With this competition, Checkers aims to provide 120 loyal customers with some relief from the ongoing challenges experienced with loadshedding, as well as an opportunity to experience firsthand the benefits of renewable energy,” explains Mike Middleton, Chief Marketing Officer at Checkers. “It is also testimony of our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, not only within our own business, but also the communities in which we operate.”

Shoppers will receive an entry for every participating brand bought when swiping their Xtra Savings rewards card at any Checkers, Checkers Hyper, Checkers Foods and Checkers Liquorshop stores, or on the Checkers Sixty60 app, between 24 July and 10 September 2023. The more participating brands customers purchase over this period, the more chances they have of winning.

Joining the Xtra Savings rewards programme is free, easy, and paperless. Shoppers can sign up in store or via any of the following channels:

WhatsApp “Hi!” to +27 87 240 5709

Simply dial *134*569*CARDNUMBER#

Visit www.checkers.co.za

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

Art & Soul at Kilima Franschhoek

One of the works by Nanette Ranger that was on display.

Kilima Franschhoek Guest House presented their first “Art & Soul Appreciation Experience” during the Bastille Festival on Saturday, 15 July.

The featured artist, Nanette Ranger’s sculptures were carefully dotted all over the villa garden. Attendees were invited to wander the grounds and experience the works while sipping local wines and nibbling on delightful bites created by Kilima’s multi-talented GM, Alicia Giliomee.

At the appointed hour the attendees gather on the garden terrace to first hear Nanette speak about her art. Then Sareta Schütte (Group CEO of Murchison Holdings Pty Ltd, which includes the Kilima Collection) shared a selection of her personal experiences, poetry and appreciation of the art on display. It is safe to say than no hearts remained untouched by the Art & Soul that was shared with those present.

For more information on Kilima Franschhoek or the next Art & Soul Experience, call 087 153 3929 or email gm@kilimafranschhoek.co.za

#bastilleartandsoul #kilimafranschhoek #franschhoekvalley

Train with Champions for Maxirace 2023

K-Way Maxirace 2023
Christiaan and Landie Greyling doing what they love.

The 45km and 75km ultra-marathon routes of the 2023 K-Way MaxiRace Cape Winelands will once again start in Franschhoek on 30 September and take in much of the surrounding mountains, including the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve before ending in Stellenbosch. Those considering taking on these gruelling routes could do worse than taking advice from SA’s King and Queen of trail running, Landie and Christiaan Greyling.

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