Fans of classical music and proudly South African talent – and those who want to relax with some soothing sounds over the long weekend – can tune into M-Net channel 101 on Sunday afternoon (29 April) at 16:30. M-Net has once again secured the rights to screen Starlight Classics, the vibrant outdoor philharmonic concert that has been run by Rand Merchant Bank for the past 20 years.
Starlight Classics, which is attended by over 4000 people and is held twice a year, is an innovatively Afro-symphonic music experience which literally takes place under the stars and is the brainchild of renowned South African conductor and maestro Richard Cock in conjunction with Rand Merchant Bank.
At this year’s RMB Starlight Classics, a full philharmonic orchestra and the vibrant Mzansi Youth Choir will perform with South Africa’s Afro-Jazz-Soul diva Lira; The Voice SA winner Craig Lucas; award-winning classical South African soprano Cecilia Rangwanasha; internationally acclaimed local tenor Sunnyboy Dladla; Dutch child-star soprano singer Amira Willighagen; Afrikaans musical icon Riana Nel; Idols SA winner Paxton Fielies; and renowned Dutch violinist, Tim Kliphuis.
In this once-off concert music fans of all ages can sit back and enjoy classical themes such as “Torna a Surriento” performed by tenor Sunnyboy Dladla and the Flower Duet performed by South African soprano star Cecilia Rangwanasha and Dutch teen sensation Amira Willighagen. Viewers can also expect some epic collaborations including “I’m Every Woman” by local stars Riana Nel and Lira, a very special rendition of “Lady in Red” by The Voice SA winner Craig Lucas as well as a spectacular performance “Ntjilo Ntjilo” by Lira, Sunnyboy Dladla and Cecilia Rangwanasha.
This year’s show was recorded at the picturesque Vergelegen Wine Estate in Cape Town. Starlight Classics is a 90-minute special.