Art enthusiasts are in for a treat this November with the 59th edition of Art Cologne, the world's first contemporary art fair. Taking place from November 5-8 at Koelnmesse in Cologne, the event features 65 galleries from around the globe, showcasing a diverse range of art from established artists to cutting-edge experiments. Divided into four sections — Galleries, Neumarkt, Collaborations and Art + Object — visitors can expect to see an array of innovative and thought-provoking works.
For those in South Africa, there are plenty of exciting art exhibitions to explore. At Everard Read Joburg, Karel Nel's Translucent Worlds exhibition is on display until November 19, while Thirza Schaap's After The Tide solo show at Berman Contemporary in Cape Town runs until November 28. Meanwhile, at Everard Read London, Caryn Scrimgeour's A Certain Slant of Light and Emalie Bingham's Devotion Myths solo exhibitions take place from November 13 to December 12.
Theatre productions are also a highlight of November's events calendar. Letters From Tomorrow, a poignant play about a former apartheid security branch officer, runs from November 13-15 at Soweto Theatre, with tickets priced at R100-R150. Another must-see production is The Graduation of K-C, a heartwarming exploration of identity and belonging, which takes place at The Market Theatre in Joburg from November 5-29, with tickets starting at R110.
Music lovers will enjoy a range of performances this November. Sibongile Khumalo Celebration, a musical tribute to the legendary singer, takes place at The Market Theatre in Joburg on November 13, featuring a stellar cast of singers and the Chamber Orchestra of Johannesburg, with tickets from R300. A Grand Night for Singing, the University of Johannesburg's annual Dean's Concert, happens on November 7 at the UJ Arts Centre, Joburg, with tickets starting at R150.
Choral music enthusiasts will appreciate the Legato Choral Festival, which takes place on November 14-15 at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria, featuring outstanding ensembles from across the greater Tshwane area. Tickets are priced at R150-R180. Another unique musical experience is Earth, Wind and Wire, a recital featuring a rarely heard instrumental combination of trumpet, violin and piano, taking place at Glenshiel in Westcliff, Joburg on November 29, with tickets starting at R300.
Opera fans can look forward to Roméo et Juliette, a production of Charles Gounod's classic opera, presented by Cape Town Opera at the Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town from November 18-29, with tickets priced at R180-R720. Meanwhile, Christmas fairs and markets are starting to pop up around the country, offering a festive atmosphere and unique shopping experiences.
Some of the top Christmas markets and festivals include the Skeppend Christmas Market at Simonsvlei Wine Estate in Paarl, running from November 27 to December 20, and the Glenshiel Christmas Fair, which took place on November 1. Other events include the Linden Market Festive Edition at Joburg Botanical Gardens on November 28-29, the Parkview Christmas Market at George Hay Park in Joburg from November 20-22, and the Joburg Zoo Festival of Lights, which runs from November 26 to January 3, with tickets starting at R75.
Key points
- Art Cologne takes place from November 5-8 in Cologne, featuring 65 galleries from around the globe.
- The Graduation of K-C and Letters From Tomorrow are two must-see theatre productions this November.
- Sibongile Khumalo Celebration and A Grand Night for Singing are among the top music performances in November.
