It is not often that an internationally renowned exponent of period instruments visits these shores – this year’s Cape Town Baroque Festival is bringing maestro Erik Bosgraaf to the Mother City for the first time since 2019, when he last performed here, BEVERLEY BROMMERT is pleased to note:
Noted for his mastery of the recorder, Erik Bosgraaf is also proficient in other period instruments like the chalumeau and harpsichord, a reputation that places him in much demand throughout the world (as soon as his participation in Cape Town’s Baroque Festival is over, he is off to play in Korea).
This year’s theme for the Festival is The Miniature and the Monumental, conceived by festival founder Erik Dippenaar and warmly endorsed by Bosgraaf as it evokes the inclusivity of scale in Baroque music.
There will be five events on offer during the week of 20 – 27 September for lovers of such music, from intimate recital to full orchestral performance, with Bosgraaf participating in both.
Instead of the familiar composers like JS Bach, Handel and Vivaldi, this festival will celebrate another genius of the age who is frequently and unjustly underrated: Georg Telemann.
Himself an admirer of this composer, Bosgraaf is more than happy to bring his works to life in two of the events, appropriately reflecting the title of the current festival. First, a recital for recorder and violin, in which he will partner visiting Baroque violin virtuoso Zefira Valova; and later a performance of larger-scale orchestral works from the CTBO (Cape Town Baroque Orchestra), in which he will play a duo for two chalumeaux with a rising young South African musician, David Cyster, also conducting the CTBO.
Very personal
On the subject of chamber music, Bosgraaf does not minimise the pressure on instrumentalists in a small venue. “Having the audience there at such close range leaves you nowhere to hide; they can see the effort the performer(s) have to put into the playing, but it is very personal and quite different from recording a CD, which can be detached from human presence.” Having just completed recording his 10th Telemann CD before coming to South Africa, he is well placed to judge.
He believes very firmly in the power of music to unite people as it transcends the barriers of different cultures through a universal language, so emphasizing the need for human engagement – of which there will be no shortage throughout this festival.
Regarding Telemann, he enjoys that composer’s democratic attitude towards his performers. “Unlike Bach, who can be a control freak and leaves no room for deviation from his score, Telemann trusts the player’s interpretation, he respects him enough to grant him some latitude. Furthermore, he is witty, as can be detected in, for example, humorous excepts from his Don Quixote Suite.”
Another aspect of Bosgraaf ‘s involvement in this year’s events is a masterclass for budding exponents of the recorder, which starts the ball rolling on day one, Saturday 20 September 2025.
Thereafter the concerts succeed one another in their diversity of offerings and venues big and small, to culminate in a full- bodied celebration of Telemann on the evening of Saturday 27 September 2025.
Another feast for lovers of the Baroque.
What: Erik Bosgraaf and the Cape Town Baroque Festival
Where and when: Various venues from 20 to 27 September 2025
Tickets: Quicket
For more information and bookings: Cape Town Baroque Festival website
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