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Set against the extraordinary backdrop of Prince Albert, the Kaleidoscope Music & Arts Festival returns this August for a weekend where world-class music, rising young talent and the creative spirit of the Karoo come vividly to life. From 21 to 23 August, the festival brings together leading South African and international musicians, performers and artists for a programme of concerts, collaboration and community celebration.

Founded by violist Dr Louise Lansdown, the festival builds on the success of its inaugural edition in 2025, expanding beyond chamber music to include a broader range of musical genres and artistic disciplines.

Highlights of the 2026 programme include performances by acclaimed guitarist Guy Buttery and internationally recognised classical guitarist Derek Gripper, alongside a wide range of South African artists and ensembles.

“The festival is rooted in artistic excellence, but also in opportunity, education and connection,” says Lansdown. “It brings established professionals and young musicians together in a shared creative space, while supporting long-term music education in Prince Albert.”

The festival directly supports the ARCO–PACT Strings Project, which provides violin, viola, cello and double bass tuition to more than 100 children across local schools in Prince Albert. This year, the festival will involve more than 250 young musicians through performances, workshops and side-by-side collaborations.

Participating youth ensembles include the ARCO-PACT String Orchestras, Grey High School String Orchestra, Music Sprouts Access Program Violin Ensemble, Frank Pietersen Music Centre String Orchestras and the Rustenburg Girls’ High School String Quartet.

Additional festival artists include Jan-Hendrik Harley, Chanda Bupe Lupambo, Sifiso Mbatha, Mariechen Meyer, Tony Alcock, Nina Fourie-Gouws, Tiaan Uys, Ché Adams, David Bester, Lieva Starker and Jivaan Luttig. Works by poet LyricL Nkechi and photographer Karl Schoemaker will also feature in the programme.

Festival highlights include the Kaleidoscope Mass Youth Orchestra performance at the Prince Albert Showground on Saturday 22 August, and the closing performance, Confluence, on Sunday 23 August.

The festival is supported by organisations including Wesgro, Mzansi Philharmonic, Fine Music Radio, the D’Addario Foundation and the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust.

The full programme and booking information are available at Quicket.

For more information visit Kaleidoscope Festival