The Karoo town of Prince Albert will once again become a hub of music, creativity and collaboration when the Kaleidoscope Music & Arts Festival returns from 21 to 23 August 2026.
Following a successful debut in 2025, the festival is expanding its programme this year, bringing together acclaimed South African and international musicians alongside emerging young talent for a weekend of concerts, workshops and community performances.
Founded by violist Dr Louise Lansdown, the festival has grown beyond its chamber music roots to embrace a wider range of musical styles and artistic disciplines, while continuing its commitment to education and youth development.
Music meets mentorship
This year’s programme features performances by celebrated guitarist Guy Buttery and internationally recognised classical guitarist Derek Gripper, alongside a diverse lineup of South African musicians and artists.
“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.”
Supporting the next generation
A key focus of the festival is the ARCO–PACT Strings Project, which provides violin, viola, cello and double bass lessons to more than 100 children at schools across Prince Albert.
This year, more than 250 young musicians will participate through performances, workshops and collaborative concerts.
Youth ensembles taking part include:
- ARCO-PACT String Orchestras
- Grey High School String Orchestra
- Music Sprouts Access Program Violin Ensemble
- Frank Pietersen Music Centre String Orchestras
- Rustenburg Girls’ High School String Quartet
The festival will also feature performances and collaborations by 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, while works by poet LyricL Nkechi and photographer Karl Schoemaker will also form part of the programme.
Festival highlights
Among the standout events is the Kaleidoscope Mass Youth Orchestra performance at the Prince Albert Showground on Saturday, 22 August, followed by the festival’s 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.
How to book
Tickets and the full festival programme are available through Quicket.
For more information, visit the Kaleidoscope Music & Arts Festival website or follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram.
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