Works by Britten, Copland, Dvořák, Villa-Lobos and others

Lauren Dasappa | Soprano

Violina Anguelov-Hobbs, Minette du Toit-Pearce | Mezzosoprano

Sipho Fubesi | Tenor

Patrick Tikolo | Bass-Baritone

James Grace | Guitar

Esthea Kruger | Piano

The final concert of the festival celebrates the intersection of folk and art song, exploring how composers across history have drawn on the melodies, rhythms, and stories of their folk heritage to create music for the concert stage. Encompassing a range of expression – from lively to nostalgic – these songs show how folk traditions can be seamlessly woven into the art-song repertoire.

The concert spans continents and styles, from European to American and Latin American folk-influenced songs. Many works are accompanied by guitar, its distinctive sound adding warmth and authenticity to the music.

This colourful programme will be heard in the unique ambience of Ian Burgess-Simpson’s Pianos, an immersive concert experience not to be missed. Join the artists afterwards for a glass of wine to celebrate the festival’s conclusion.

Final round

Duos from the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University

2025 marks the fourth edition of the Neues Lied Competition for Art Song Duos, a yearly event where young singers and pianists from the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University are invited to showcase their talent with a programme of several art songs in various languages. In the final round, the very best of these duos will compete for R51 000 of prize money, sponsored by the Rupert Music Foundation. The programme – which will be announced shortly before the final round on www.festivalneueslied.com/competition – is bound to encompass a wonderful variety of art songs.

Two song cycles by Messiaen

Clara Hugo, Siphamandla Moyake | Soprano

Jan Hugo, Esthea Kruger | Piano

The second concert of Neues Lied presents two of Olivier Messiaen’s soprano song cycles, Poèmes pour Mi and Chants de Terre et de Ciel. Inspired by his marriage, his Catholic faith, and his love of nature, these works are emblematic of Messiaen’s vivid harmonic and emotional world – a world at once mystical, ecstatic, and deeply human.

Poèmes pour Mi is an extended lyrical hymn to Messiaen’s beloved first wife, Claire Delbos, while Chants de Terre et de Ciel celebrates the joy of parenthood following the birth of their son, Pascal. Rich in Messiaen’s signature colours, rhythmic inventiveness, and pianistic brilliance, the cycles explore the full expressive range of the human voice.

The music will be brought to life by husband-and-wife duo Clara and Jan Hugo, alongside Siphamandla Moyake and Esthea Kruger.

Lullabies by Brahms, Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Hofmeyr, Njeza, and others

Paulina Malefane, Brittany Smith | Soprano

Violina Anguelov-Hobbs, Minette du Toit-Pearce | Mezzosoprano

Esthea Kruger | Piano

The opening concert of Neues Lied is dedicated to lullabies across centuries and cultures, highlighting a theme both deeply personal and profoundly universal. From some of the best-known examples of the genre, such as Brahms’ Wiegenlied and cradle songs by Tchaikovsky, Strauss and Schubert, to hidden gems by Balakirev, Gounod and Dvořák, the programme casts a light on lullabies in all their facets. The concert also celebrates local lullabies, featuring Hofmeyr’s well-known Thula, Tu and the premiere of a new song cycle by Sibusiso Njeza. Join performers Paulina Malefane, Brittany Smith, Violina Anguelov-Hobbs, Minette du Toit-Pearce, and Esthea Kruger for a moment to rest in music – in honour of the children we know, and the child in each of us.