Cape Town classical music festival

Launched in 2006, the sixth edition of this classical music festival offers a lively programme of performances by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra directed by Japanese maestro Yasuo Shinozaki, with principal guest soloists as South African pianist Ben Schoeman and German-Japanese violinist Mirijam Contzen.

Top attractions include sopranos Arlene Jaftha, Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi, Lynelle Kenned and Goitsemang Lehobye; tenors Lukhanyo Moyake, Makudupanyane Senaoana and Neil Shicoff; violinists Farida Bacharova and Patrick Goodwin; and pianist Malcolm Nay.

Events take place in various venues in Cape Town, including the Artscape Theatre and City Hall, as well as popular tourist destinations such as the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Vergelegen wine estate.

The annual Cape Town International Summer Music Festival began on 21 January and runs until 26 February.

For full details see the website of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra www.cpo.org.za, tel. +27214109809.