Artscape 55 Gala Concert
Artscape 55 Gala concert, “A Place for all,” 8th November at 17:00 is a celebration of diversity in the arts, uniting voices, cultures and disciplines in a single uber grand black-tie/ball gown event to crown celebrations for 2026. Expect a rich tapestry of song, dance, jazz and poetry that reinforces Artscape’s mission: This is a PLACE FOR ALL.
Hosted by the most iconic names in South African performance, the program honors legendary artists with deep Artscape ties, Coenie de Villiers, Dizu Plaatjies, Amanda Strydom, Thembi Mtshali-Jones, Vicky Sampson, Ian Smith, Koos Kombuis alongside star turns from Artscape’s associated companies.
Coming in for a treat and taking turns in the spotlight are current favorites: Jodi Jantjies, Mandisi Dyantyis, Loukmaan and Emo Adams, Alistair Izobell, Jody Abrahams, Robin Pieters, Nuur Leeman and poet Siphokazi Jonas, joined by our divas Lynelle Kenned, Zanne De Lange, Fancy Galada and Karin Kortje. Each artist brings a distinct voice and charisma, theatre-song spoken-word resonance, and radiant diva bravura!
The Cape Jazz tradition will be brought to life as George Werner, Amanda Tiffin, Don Vino Prins, Wesley Rustin and a host of others jazz it up. Each ensemble piece pays homage to resilience, community, and the shared heritage that makes Cape Jazz unmistakable.
The South African Youth Choir, Cape Town Choristers, the Yellowwood Park Primary Choir and A Cape Malay Choir present a mosaic of voices from across the city and beyond, each bringing its own timbre, language, and story.
Enter the Riel dancers from Betjiesfontein, the Taare Indian Dance troupe, Thandi Swartbooi’s Women Unite, Hip hop Dance Group Cape Town’s Most Wanted and the ABFAB Drag ensemble and we’re in for cutting edge entertainment that weave together cultural roots, contemporary styles and universal emotions of joy, reflection and celebration.
This is more than a concert; it’s a vibrant celebration of inclusion, community, and the universal power of the arts.
The grand-scale Gala event is directed and curated by Basil Appollis and Marlene Le Roux. The Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra will be conducted by Brandon Phillips, with Trevino Isaacs as our Musical Director. Choreography: Nkosinathi Sangweni.
