Discover the 2025 Festival Line-Up
Maynardville Open-Air Festival
Experience the magic of Maynardville Open-Air Festival as we proudly present our exhilarating lineup for the 2025 season. From captivating musical performances to timeless theatrical masterpieces, immerse yourself in a world of artistic brilliance under the stars.
Discover the schedule, find out about the performers, and secure your tickets to ensure you don’t miss out on these unforgettable performances.
An Exquisite Evening of Musical Brilliance
Tour de Tchaikovsky
22 - 23 January 2025
Tour de Tchaikovsky is an exquisite chamber music concert celebrating the timeless compositions of one of classical music's greatest masters. This limited engagement promises to be an unforgettable evening of timeless melodies set against a starry backdrop of natural beauty. Further details regarding the programme and players will be released soon.
Featuring: To be announced soon.
Duration: Approx. 95 minutes.
An Enchanting Symphonic Journey
Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
24 - 25 January 2025
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra's popular concerts have become a highlight on the annual Maynardville programme, and this year there will only be two, not the regular three performances. This prestigious ensemble, renowned internationally for its impeccable artistry and dynamic performances, will entertain you in a symphonic journey that embodies the festival’s enchanting theme, Waves of Wonder. Under the direction of conductor Brandon Phillips, the orchestra will navigate through classical masterpieces and contemporary favourites exploring different composers' expression of the elements. From the storm in Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony to a cool arrangement of Stormy Weather, this programme will wash all your cares away.
Conductor: Brandon Philips
Duration: Approx 60 minutes.
An Unforgettable Journey of Romance, Intrigue & Spellbinding drama
William Shakespeare's The Tempest
31 January - 8 March 2025
Set sail for the magical destination that is The Tempest, Shakespeare's mystical tale of betrayal, love, revenge, and redemption that unfolds on an enchanted island. Prospero, a powerful sorcerer and the rightful Duke of Milan, conjures a storm to shipwreck his treacherous brother Antonio and the complicit King Alonso of Naples who had him banished from their kingdom. Stranded on the island, they become pawns in Prospero's plan to restore his daughter Miranda's honour and reclaim his dukedom. Unbeknownst to her and with the help of the ethereal Ariel, Prospero's loyal spirit servant, whose mischief, musicality, and invisible antics create much of the island's magic, Prospero manipulates events in Miranda’s favour. Revealing the darker side to the tale, is the enslaved Caliban, the island’s original inhabitant who teams up with the castaways to satisfy his grudge against Prospero. As new love blossoms between Miranda and Ferdinand, Alonso's noble son, old grievances surface, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation. Embark on an unforgettable journey of romance, intrigue, and spellbinding drama as The Tempest sweeps you into its whirlwind of emotion and enchantment.
Director: Sylvaine Strike
Duration: Approx. 100 minutes.
A Unique Blend of Classical Grandeur & Contemporary Flair
Cape Town Opera sings Shakespeare In The Park
9 February 2025
Cape Town Opera returns to the Maynardville stage with an unforgettable programme of vocal artistry and dramatic storytelling presenting opera highlights by Verdi, Mendelssohn and others, inspired by the work of Shakespeare. Featuring CTO House Soloists, Judith Neilson Young Artists, CTO chorus and Childrens’ Chorus and welcoming guest artist, internationally recognised counter-tenor Clint van der Linde. Be swept away by the powerful performances and unique blend of classical grandeur with contemporary flair of CTO House Soloists, Judith Neilson Young Artists, Chorus and Children’s Chorus alongside international counter-tenor Clint van der Linde.
Featuring: Clint van der Linde, CTO House Soloists, Judith Neilson Young Artists, Chorus and Children’s Chorus
Duration: Approx. 90 minutes.
A Tribute to the Remarkable Stephen Sondheim
Sunday in the Park with Sondheim
23 February 2025
Sunday in the Park with Sondheim is a tribute to the legendary Musical Theatre lyricist and composer, Stephen Sondheim, as we celebrate his 95th birthday with this special performance. Mr. Sondheim’s remarkable contributions to the world of musical theatre include groundbreaking works such as Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Company, A Little Night Music and many more. This tribute showcases Mr. Sondheim's unparalleled ability to write complex characters and stories through his masterful compositions and lyrics.
Duration: 90 minutes.
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