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
Calling all classical music lovers! Join us for Tour de Tchaikovsky, a remarkable concert celebrating the timeless compositions of one of classical music's greatest masters.
On this unforgettable evening, Gerhard Joubert will perform Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, and Ethan Lawson will present Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations for cello, both accompanied by the talented Elna van der Merwe on piano.
This limited engagement promises enchanting melodies set against a stunning backdrop of natural beauty. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of Tchaikovsky!
Featuring: Gerhard Joubert, Ethan Lawson, and Elna van der Merwe.
Duration: Approx. 95 minutes.
Stormy Weather - A Symphonic Weather Report
Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
24 - 25 January 2025
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra's popular concerts are a highlight of the annual Maynardville Festival, and the Orchestra is back for two performances this upcoming season. Under the direction of conductor Brandon Phillips, this internationally renowned ensemble will take audiences on a classical stormy journey with their symphonic weather report, titled Stormy Weather - A Symphonic Weather Report. Expect thunder, lightning, and everything in between as the orchestra navigates through classical masterpieces and contemporary favourites, exploring composers’ expressions of nature’s elements. The show will be narrated by John Woodland, a Cape Town-based musician, broadcaster, and scientist, who will guide the audience through this symphonic weather adventure.
From setting sail in Mendelssohn’s Overture to The Hebrides to braving storms in Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony and Tchaikovsky’s The Tempest, this concert will sweep you away. You'll also enjoy Rossini’s dramatic William Tell Overture, the magical The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Dukas, and Debussy’s enchanting Clair de Lune, which captures the beauty of a moonlit night. The concert will culminate with an arrangement of the iconic Stormy Weather, designed to wash your cares away under the open skies.
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. This sparkling new production with direction by Sylvaine Strike promises to be a highlight on next year’s theatrical calendar.
The indomitable Antoinette Kellermann plays Prospera, the banished Duchess of Milan, now a powerful sorcerer bent on reclaiming her honour. With a career spanning 50 years, Kellermann’s contributions to South African theatre have been monumental, and her portrayal of Prospera is set to be as captivating as ever. Ms. Kellerman is joined by a talented cast of South African actors.
Prospera conjures a storm to shipwreck her 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 Prospera's plan to restore her daughter Miranda's honour and reclaim her duchessdom. Unbeknownst to her and with the help of the ethereal Ariel, Prospera's loyal spirit servant, whose mischief, musicality, and invisible antics create much of the island's magic, Prospera 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 her grudge against Prospera. As new love blossoms between Miranda and Ferdinand, Alonso's noble son, old grievances surface, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
With its unforgettable characters, evocative language, and profound exploration of the human spirit, The Tempest stands as a testament to the resilience of love in the face of adversity. Shakespeare's masterpiece continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us that love, in its purest form, has the power to transcend even the greatest challenges, leaving an enduring impact on all who encounter it.
Embark on an unforgettable journey of romance, intrigue, and spellbinding drama as The Tempest sweeps you into its whirlwind of emotion and enchantment.
PROSPERA: Antoinette Kellermann
MIRANDA: Jane de Wet
ARIEL: Daniel Lasker
CALIBAN: Albert Pretorius
ALONSO: Brent Palmer
FERDINAND: Jefferson Lan
ANTONIO/STEPHANO: David Viviers
SEBASTIAN/TRINCULO: Tankiso Mamabolo
GONZALO/BOATSWAIN: Siya Mayola
SPIRITS: Len-Barry Simons, Naoline Quinzin, Lungile Lallie
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. 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. The Cape Town Opera Chorus, featuring international opera star, Clint van der Linde will be accompanied by Jan Hugo. The programme will feature arias from Shakespeare-themed operas.
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 spectacular tribute to the late Stephen Sondheim as we celebrate his 95th birthday with a performance honouring his legendary work. Featuring music from iconic musicals like Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, and Company, this concert will highlight Sondheim's genius for crafting unforgettable stories and characters through song.
The evening will feature a stellar line-up of musicians, including four soloists with ensemble singers from Vivox Voices, and will be accompanied by the Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra. Vivox Voices is a Cape Town-based chamber choir, founded by conductor Maria Rademan-Viviers in 2018, and is dedicated to sharing the magic of South African and international choral music. The Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra, established in 2022 and led by conductor Reghardt Kühn, is focused on making classical music more accessible and inspiring, creating a space for musicians to nurture their talents while contributing to the community through collaborative projects.
Experience the magic of Broadway under the stars, with live music that will move, inspire, and delight!
Duration: 90 minutes.
Stay Updated with the Latest News
Maynardville Festival Buzz
Maynardville’s Outdoor Amphitheatre Full Programme and Cast Announced
In a whirl of magical summer evenings, the Maynardville Open-Air Festival is back for the 2025 season – and patrons can look forward to a programme of theatre, opera, classical music and contemporary songbook classics produced by VR Theatrical under the playful theme,...
Internship Application
Are you eager to gain invaluable insights and hands-on experience in the world of professional theatre making? Look no further! The Maynardville Open-Air Festival is thrilled to offer an exceptional educational internship opportunity. What You'll Gain: Practical...
Technical Theatre Arts Development Programme
Open Culture Foundation, in collaboration with VR Theatrical and the Maynardville Open-Air Festival, is glad to announce a Technical Theatre Arts professional development opportunity for recent graduates in the Performing Arts. Over the past two festival seasons, the...