Darling Music Experience

This scenic West Coast dorpie celebrates classical and contemporary melodies with a two- week fiesta

After a successful decade of classical music, choral and jazz performances, this annual celebration of the finer sounds in life is back. That’s right folks, we’re talking about the Darling Music Experience (DME), which will take place at various venues in Darling from Friday, 29 January to Sunday, 14 February 2016. For more information, phone +27 (0)72 015 1653 or email info@darlingmusic.org.

Whether you’re a classical fundi or simply looking to expose your family (from the very young to the oh-so young at heart) to incredible music, West Coast culture and more, then this 16-day celebration is just the event for you! As a platform for young musicians and international performers alike to play in front of  a live audience, this experience is a unique and worthwhile one to attend.

This year, the annual cultural celebration gets off on the right note with the free opening concert at the NG Kerk in Darling on Friday, 29 January at 7pm. The concert will feature the Darling Chamber Choir, students of the Darling Music for All education initiative, Aureona Wagenstroom (soprano) accompanied by Rushmond May, and Sakhile Humbane (flute) accompanied by Victor Tichart. From there the festival soars into the charming West Coast town and surrounds like a soprano in full song until Sunday, 14 February 2016.

Another first this year is the crowdfunding campaign to premiere the opera Mozart’s Secrets on Saturday, 6 February 2016 at the Darling Gallery. The project (called Indie Opera) aims to raise money through Thundafund.com to pay for production costs and travelling expenses to take the opera to the rest of South Africa and Europe. The closing date for donations is Monday, 1 February 2016 and so far they have managed to raise about half the money needed for the overseas tour. Any small donations are appreciated.

Highlights this year include The Piano Battle which will take place at Darling Brew’s Taste Room on Sunday, 31 January 2016. Even if you are not a major fan of classical piano music, this battle (featuring Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis) will be entertaining. Another must-see is A Musical Sunset Dinner on Saturday, 30 January 2016 at the scenic !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, where guests will be serenaded with piano, flute and violin ensembles, followed by a tasty optional dinner. Alternatively, if you’re seeking something special to do this Valentine’s Day, the Jazz Matinee on the beach at Yzerfontein will combine incredible melodies with a stunning West Coast beach – the ultimate in romance.

Established in 2006 by three industry legends, David Tidboald, Hendrik Hofmeyr and Alfred Legner, the summertime festival is celebrating its 11th year and features an array of productions, including classic and contemporary chamber music performances, popular choir concerts, jazz played by community ensembles and solo recitals by top-notch artists.

FULL PROGRAMME FOR THE 2016 DARLING MUSIC EXPERIENCE

TICKETS FOR THE 2016 DARLING MUSIC EXPERIENCE

Events for the Darling Music Experience are ticketed individually, and prices range from free to R350p/p. Visit Darlingmusic.org for full programme details and booking information.

To donate a small sum of money towards their crowdfunding project, Indie Opera, visit Thundafund.com/indieopera.

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