SCENE IT: Magical, jazzy Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra delights at Maynardville

Barbara Loots

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An absolutely exquisite night under the stars at Maynardville Open-Air Festival with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (Brandon Phillips at the baton) sharing their jazzy magic!

Listening to the Cape Town Philharmonic on Friday evening was like sitting in a time capsule of musical joy, forgetting about the rest of the chaotic world.

Every single musician onstage showed themselves to be an exceptional talent that delights in the delivery of marvelous music. On the night, soloist Férroll-Jon Davids, a master on the clarinet, performed Artie Shaw’s “Concerto For Clarinet” with such panache it will forever be a standout memory of this show.

Narrator John Woodland, as always, was simply fantastic with his unique entertainment style. He guides the audience through the programme with such a deft hand, reminding the audience of the relationship between jazz and timing, while also linking that to the rhythm of the Bard’s relationship driven words as found in Twelfth Night (soon to be onstage at Maynardville too).

Throughout the show we could not stop smiling. We always look forward to the Philharmonic as part of the Maynardville Fest, and they did not disappoint - they never do! They had us entralled with a marvellous jazz-themed programme throughout with numbers including fan favourite, “The Girl From Ipanema” and a stunning West Side Story selection. It is no surprise that the audience lept to their feet in jubilant and appreciative applause. Bravo all!

One more show tonight, 17 January 2026. Grab your tickets via Quicket . Do it!