The 2024 Tankwa Classics was a resounding success, blending the serene beauty of the Karoo hinterland with the enchanting melodies of classical music. Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of a million-year-old canyon, this year’s festival delivered an unforgettable experience under the stars.
Harmony in the Karoo: A Magical Journey at Tankwa Classics 2024
Friday proved to be perfect weather for arrival. Considering the devastating weather 72 hours before, one would have never imagined how the harsh and loud noise of excavators, graders, and tip lorries would be replaced by the sweet notes of Music from The Movies. Upon arrival, the sun was hot as a gentle breeze brushed through the lush green Karoo bossies (still plump from the heavy rains) that wrapped the Place of Dreams and its excited Tankwa Classics patrons.
Everyone settled in for the first supper. What a beautiful sight to see new and old friends converse under the stretch tent at Pod 1 over a hot plate of food and a glass of Muratie fine wine, somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
And so the fairy-tale continued with music from the movies in the Canyon. Elna van Der Merwe and her list of top-tier musicians took us on a journey through some of the most beautiful film scores ever composed. The wind came up, but ultimately the music blew us away. What a spectacular concert and wow, what a setting.
Saturday morning was flooded (no pun) by early birds, some old and some new to Pod wanting to quench their adventurous thirst. The offering from Place of Dreams included a Fauna & Flora hike through the Karoo veld with our own “Camelman” Zulch Conradie, followed by a Pilates class at the Yoga Pavilion, and then let’s not forget all the beautiful mountain biking/trail running trails that had been frothing for some rubber before we all sat down for a buffet breakfast. The enthusiasm for the new day over breakfast was electrifying. Finally, the civil rust accumulated from urbanized living was wearing off. Pod has this effect on one…
The afternoon was spent hearing laughter from the various PADS as friends and lovers of the Classics were having a ball of a time in the middle of the Karoo. We were blessed with sunny weather as everyone moved closer to Pod 1 to hop on a shuttle to the Canyon. The various forms of transport came in the shape of a Bosvark, a Chevrolet straight out of the A-Team, a van called Fluffy, another green Chevrolet-more like something from “To Kill a Mockingbird” and numerous Land Cruisers happily shuttled everyone to the Canyon for a daytime-unplugged concert.
The music from Mendelsohn echoed against the walls of the ancient Canyon as this masterful performance left us with no words other than “ENCORE”. Wow what a moment! I’m lucky enough to have witnessed great music in great venues but this was a massive standout from what I have seen in my life. Beautiful melodies carried by intense arpeggios which drew a tethered focus on the strings played on stage which entered a realm of surreal musical euphoria.
After the concert as the audience departed, they paid their respects to the musicians. It was so beautiful to see the theatre etiquette in full swing-even in the middle of the Karoo.
Everyone went back to POD 1 for dinner and got all dressed up for OPERA UNDER THE STARS. From Puccini to Cardillo to Verdi we were swayed by the vocal abilities of Lynelle Kenned (Soprano), William Berger (Baritone) and Neil Rademan (Tenor).The Canyon looked absolutely stunning and effortlessly took hands with the music. A true visual and music symbiosis. Once again the perfect marriage between different art forms. We were truly blessed.
VIEW THE FULL PHOTO GALLERY HERE
Stay updated on Tankwa Classics 2025:
Sign up as a member https://placeofdreams.co.za/membership-intentionality-form/
Subscribe to our newsletter https://placeofdreams.co.za/subscribe/
Afterwards there was a cozy gathering at the “party bus” where we all enjoyed a drink and some dance with their fellow music lovers. We rolled out rugs, scattered poufs, cranked up the heaters and sat on sheepskins. What an incredible night!
Sunday morning the beautiful weather continued as POD 1 woke up to the frenzy of mountain bikes, trail running and another Pilates class. We all sat down together to enjoy breakfast and that was followed by a concert with the focus on Clarinet. This was the official final concert for those who could only make a weekend out of Tankwa Classics. The diehard classical music adventurers who stayed till Monday was spoiled with another trick down our weekend’s sleeve.
Every year, we are exposed to the elements and rely on the goodwill of the weather to cooperate. Fortunately, the weekend’s weather played along beautifully. However, less than 72 hours before Friday, we almost lost our beloved POD to gusty winds and heavy rains. This was detrimental to our stretch tents, and the flooding washed away most of our roads. It placed immense pressure on the Pod team to deliver a playable venue in such a short time and incurred significant costs. We want to remind you that this has always been a labour of love, and we rely on your support, for which we are very grateful.
Finally, the sunset concert scheduled for the golden hour at the GA Pavilion had to be moved last minute due to the wind. It was held under the cozy stretch tent by Pod 1. This concert showcased the mastery of the musicians who blessed POD with their incomparable talents. The roaring encore effortlessly flowed into Sunday night’s lasagne, red wine, and a film “Under the Tuscan Sun” shown on our big screen. What a way to end such a special weekend. Our hearts are full, and our drive is restored to deliver yet another Tankwa Classics in 2025.
From the POD team, we adore and appreciate everyone involved in making this year possible. A big thank you to all who came out to the Karoo to help us create the magic known as Tankwa Classics.
Stay updated on Tankwa Classics 2025:
Sign up as a member https://placeofdreams.co.za/membership-intentionality-form/
Subscribe to our newsletter https://placeofdreams.co.za/subscribe/
