Classical Melodies Under African Skies: An Evening to Remember
On Saturday evening, beneath a vast, starlit sky, Avondale once again played host to one of our most anticipated annual gatherings, Classical Melodies Under African Skies. With the event sold out, the gardens came alive with a shared sense of anticipation, as guests gathered to experience an evening where music, food, wine and place converged in harmony.
From the moment guests arrived and were welcomed with a glass of Avondale MCC, the tone was set for a night of quiet elegance and connection. As dusk softened into evening, the first notes rose into the open air, carried across the valley — a reminder of the power of music to ground us in the present moment.
Voices that Move Across Cultures
At the heart of the evening was the extraordinary Heavenly Quartez — a group of gifted vocalists from Khayelitsha whose performances transcend genre and language. Blending classical and contemporary influences, and singing in Afrikaans, English, Italian and Xhosa, their music speaks to something universal: emotion, storytelling, and shared human experience.
Returning favourites Melikhaya (Melly) Ndabeni, Sihle Mtitshana, Thamsanqa Mtshamba and Siphosethu Gxako delivered a powerful and nuanced performance, once again captivating the audience.
They were joined by special guest Nolubabalo Mdayi, a mezzo-soprano from Cape Town Opera, whose voice brought both depth and brilliance to the evening. Her performance added a further dimension to the programme, seamlessly bridging classical tradition with contemporary expression.
A Programme that Resonated
The evening unfolded in two beautifully curated sessions, interspersed with a relaxed interval where guests enjoyed FABER’s seasonal menu. The repertoire moved effortlessly between beloved classics and contemporary favourites — from Nessun Dorma and The Prayer to Bridge Over Troubled Water and Time to Say Goodbye — each piece reinterpreted through the ensemble’s distinctive voice.
There was a palpable connection between performers and audience; moments of stillness followed by spontaneous applause, and at times, a shared breath as the final notes lingered in the night air.
A Culinary Experience to Match
In true Avondale style, the music was complemented by a thoughtfully curated, farm-to-fork menu from FABER. Guests shared in a seasonal spread that reflected both the time of year and the estate’s organic philosophy, from freshly baked sourdough and vibrant starters to refined main courses and a delicate panna cotta to close.
The pairing of food, wine and music created a layered sensory experience, one that felt both intimate and expansive, rooted in the land yet open to the wider world.
More Than a Concert
What makes Classical Melodies Under African Skies so special is not only the calibre of performance, but the spirit behind it. It is an opportunity to celebrate local talent, to create a platform for artists, and to bring people together in a meaningful way.
As highlighted on the evening, supporting these musicians is part of nurturing a broader cultural landscape — one where creativity can flourish and future generations are inspired.
Until Next Year
As the final encore faded and guests lingered a little longer under the lights, there was a shared sense that something truly memorable had been experienced.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, and to the artists who continue to bring such passion and excellence to our stage.