An enchanted evening of classics under the stars

Imagine picnicking under the stars while watching a world class music production in the middle of the city. This past weekend, the Starlight Classics concert was held at the Country Club Johannesburg in Auckland Park. The concert is hosted regularly by our partners Rand Merchant Bank.

Artist like Karen Zoid, Zolani Mahola, Lynelle Kenned, The Drakensberg Boys Choir (celebrating its 50th anniversary this year!) and many more were accompanied by the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra, under the baton of Richard Cock with musical direction by Darren Hayward.

A moment that stood out for me was a tribute to Johnny Clegg. The musicians performed his song “Asimbonanga (Mandela)”. Everyone in the audience lit a candle, and within seconds it looked like a blanket of stars all around you. Everyone stood up and sang together. Moments like that make me proud to be part of this beautiful rainbow nation.

Enjoying this concert with amazing people from RMB – Carolynne Waterhouse, Yvette Nowell, Maureen Gleeson, Lucy Lightfoot – as well as Rianet Whitehead from FA News, Kerry van Niekerk and Mandy Rothman from Oakhurst Insurance, Lisa Henry from Jozi Film Festival, and our own CN&CO chair Colleen Magner, and word nerd Colin Ford, made our Starlight Classics experience even more memorable.

Thank you RMB for supporting the arts so passionately and for taking us with you on your journey.