Electrifying concert at Maynardville 2026, by the Charl du Plessis Trio, February 8, 2026. The trio features du Plessis on piano, Werner Spies on bass and Peter Auret on drums. They captivated us with a jazzy-classical programme titled, Bach and the Beatles. The trio went off programme and dazzled us with Take 5, made famous by Dave Brubeck but not composed by him (I didn’t know that). There was Bach mashed up with I am Sailing – as in the song made famous by Rod Stewart – not composed by him (I looked it up); Bach’s Air – African style – presented as Air d’Afrique.
The trio tossed in another B for the finale – Beethoven – and segued into ABBA Money, Money. We wanted more. In addition to his incredible artistry, Du Plessis charms with his warmth and humour. He is showman in a modest way, edging into stand-up comedy but not too much. The arrangements were inspired and surprising in parts – delivering a zesty jazz evening which is the theme of Maynardville 2026 – the 70th Maynardville – a milestone festival.
It was another sublime evening at Maynardville. There was dusting of rain sprinkles during the finale. The award winning Du Plessis is one of five Steinway artists in SA (but he wasn’t playing on a Steinway at Maynardville, as he pointed out), beguiled us with insights into the programme, plans for the trio in 2026 (diarize June 2026 at Baxter Theatre) and anecdotes about making music. He also did a Jacob Collier/Choir-Choir moment, teaching us the chorus of The Beatles’ Hey Jude. We were lousy, hmm. It was a lot of fun. Watch here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Aidqn4CYr/ or https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSmLXEPLT/ or https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUgqF2FFxFS/
It would be great to have an audience-choir evening at Maynardville, in the future. How about John Woodland leading the audience, with the Charl du Plessis Trio playing? The incomparable and erudite Woodland is a regular at Maynardville. A scientist by day, he founded the choral group, VOX. Anyway, just saying.
This Sunday, February 15, it is Gershwin in The Park, by Cape Town Opera. The concert is sold out. The waitlist is full, but one never knows if there will be returns, last minute, so perhaps it is worth pitching up at the Box Office to try one’s luck. The Great American Songbook is on February 22 and March 1. And the OUTSTANDING Twelfth Night is on until March 8 (not on Sundays). Directed by Steven Stead, set designed by Greg King, costumes designed by Maritha Visagie. Knockout cast. Read my review of Twelfth Night, here: https://thecaperobyn.co.za/review-thrilling-and-utterly-mesmerising-twelfth-night-at-maynardville-2026-entertaining-stylish-fun-poignant/ Bookings for Maynardville, through Quicket.
✳ The Charl du Plessis Trio, February 8, 2026, Maynardville. Pic: Robyn Cohen/TheCapeRobyn.
