Bokani Dyer, Elinor Speirs and more to perform at the Jazz & Classical Encounters Festival

The one-day festival will feature some of the best South African jazz and classical artists in a feast of contemporary music that will touch your soul, with a mix of jazz and classical icons for eight hours.

This special edition of the third must-see event will pay tribute to a number of artists who have passed on in the last 12 months such as the legendary soprano Mam Sibongile Khumalo and renowned Cape Town pianist Andre Petersen.

Some of SA’s best jazz artists to perform at the festival

The show will open with the South African Music Awards 2019 winner, pianist Bokani Dyer and his trio, who will present Neo Native with Sphelelo Mazibuko on drums and Romy Brauteseth on bass. Dyer will be followed by the amazing soprano Zandile Mzazi, accompanied by Yohan Chun on piano and Francois Botha on Double bass. They will present work deeply connected with Mam Sibongile Khumalo’s illustrious career.

Violinist Elinor Speirs, a sought-after performer in New York and Boston’s jazz and avant-garde scenes, will take to the stage next, followed by New York-based South African-born pianist, composer and producer Kathleen Tagg.

Trumpeter Feya Faku, one of the leading jazz artists in South Africa, will close off the festival with his 4tet with a performance dedicated to Andre Petersen. Faku will perform with Bokani Dyer on piano, Shane Cooper on bass and Ayanda Sikade on drums.

Aymeric Péguillan, 2021 Jazz & Classical Encounters Festival organiser and co-producer of Pegs Music Project, commentedt: “Another very challenging year in many respects has passed, and one during which we unfortunately lost many amazing artists. Through their musical heritage, and the legacy they left with us, we can rise again and celebrate them, and through them, spread a message of love and joy.

“This year, we will pay tribute to 2 immense jazz and classical artists and educators, the incomparable Mam Sibongile Khumalo, a beacon of excellence in both classical and jazz vocal performance, and the unique talent of pianist Andre Petersen. We hope that this very special 3rd edition of the Festival will bring a big dose of joy and energy to our audience and followers.”

Tickets for the 2021 Jazz & Classical Encounters Festival are now on sale on the Quicket ticketing platform.