Crossover, cinema and classics collide in the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) Variety Gala 2026 at Artscape Theatre Centre In Cape Town for one night only on Saturday, 6 June 2026 at 7.30pm.
This symphonic celebration features an exciting line-up of South African stars and leading arts organisations, including Tarryn Lamb, Craig Lucas, Anna Davel, Tollie Parton, Jimmy Nevis, Sasha-Lee Davids, Amara Voices, Cape Town Opera, Cape Town City Ballet, Jazzart Dance Theatre, Zip Zap Circus, 13-year-old vocal sensation Moegammat Zayd Damon, ballroom champions Oleksii and Michèle, wheelchair dancer Cassidy Bailey and her dance partner Vuyani Michael, violinist Corban Beukes, concert master of the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and the award-winning Tygerberg Children’s Choir. The gala also celebrates Artscape’s 55th anniversary, with broadcaster Africa Melane as master of ceremonies.
“It’s a show that gives a platform to some of South Africa’s most loved entertainers, while enabling others to perform with a symphony orchestra for the very first time,” says the CPO’s CEO and Artistic Director, Adriaan Fuchs. “It forms part of our mission to be an orchestra for all — one that not only takes great music to every corner of our diverse community, but also creates opportunities for emerging artists, supports the creative economy and showcases the extraordinary talent we have in Cape Town. We are grateful to the City of Cape Town for its support.”
Imaginative collaborations
Under the baton of Brandon Phillips, the orchestra will perform hits by Céline Dion, Billy Joel, Toto, Il Volo, Pink Martini and many more. A hallmark of the gala is its imaginative collaborations across genres and disciplines. Audiences can look forward to dancers from Cape Town City Ballet joining Sasha-Lee Davids and Jimmy Nevis (pictured above) for “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”; Craig Lucas performing “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan alongside the Tygerberg Children’s Choir; and strength duo Oleksii and Michèle bringing their brand of flair to the stage.
Adding a special dose of glitter and her inimitable wit to the evening is popular drag artist Tollie Parton, appearing at the Variety Gala for the first time. Also making a gala debut is the award-winning Tygerberg Children’s Choir, while 13-year-old vocal sensation Moegammat Zayd Damon is set to wow audiences with his extraordinary voice.
What: CPO Variety Gala 2026
Where and when: Artscape, Cape Town, on 6 June 2026
Tickets: Webtickets and through Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 021 421 7695
WS
