The harmonious fusion of sport and symphony found fresh expression as Classics on Turf, made possible by Telkom, made its Cape Town debut, enchanting audiences with a day of refined golfing and an evening of transcendent music.
After three unforgettable years in Johannesburg, the signature experience where the elegance of golf meets the emotional depth of classical music arrived in the Western Cape for the first time. Hosted at Steenberg Golf Club and the Norval Foundation, the event unfolded as a celebration of excellence, artistry, and human connection.
Professional golfers and amateurs alike gathered on Steenberg’s manicured greens for a day defined by camaraderie and elegance. The Beyond the Greens golf clinic welcomed those new to the sport, while experienced players enjoyed a full round beneath the spring sun.
As evening fell, the focus shifted from fairways to symphonies. Under the baton of acclaimed conductor Kutlwano Masote, the orchestra filled the Norval Foundation with stirring melodies. Jazz virtuoso Paul Hanmer and opera soprano Lynelle Kenned joined forces in a seamless musical dialogue that crossed genres and emotions. The performance embodied the collaborative spirit that defines Classics on Turf.
“Telkom steps into this space not as a spectator, but as the force that connects it all,” said Gugu Mthembu, Chief Marketing Officer at Telkom. “It’s where culture, conversation, and creativity flow together.”
Telkom’s commitment to innovation came to life through an AI-powered music generator, which allowed guests to co-create a live orchestral piece. Using their phones, audience members shared their moods and musical preferences, which were instantly translated into a new composition performed by the orchestra that same evening. The moment beautifully merged human creativity with digital innovation.
Event Director Mqondisi Gumede described the experience as “a living celebration of how sport and symphony bring people together. In partnership with Telkom, we are showing that creativity and connection can exist in every note and every swing.”
As the Cape Town edition concluded, excitement began to build for the next chapter.
The Journey Continues: Johannesburg Encore
The Classics on Turf experience now heads to Johannesburg on 14 November 2025 at Killarney Country Club. Guests can look forward to another unforgettable day featuring an eighteen-hole golf challenge, a Beyond the Greens clinic, and a full orchestral concert once again conducted by Kutlwano Masote, with a special performance by the incomparable Judith Sephuma. Tickets are available via Quicket.
More Than an Event
At its heart, Classics on Turf is about creating meaningful moments where art, sport, and culture converge. It represents Telkom’s vision to connect people through shared experiences and inspire creativity in every form.
Telkom, one of South Africa’s leading telecommunications and technology companies, continues to bridge communities and enable progress through innovation. Guided by the belief that possible begins here, the company empowers creativity and connection in homes, businesses, and beyond.
Founded by Zwelibanzi Mntambo, Classics on Turf remains a uniquely South African celebration of excellence, one that transforms the fairway into a concert hall and redefines how audiences experience culture.