The Idea

The Darling Music Experience, a brainchild of conductor David Tidboald, composer Hendrik Hofmeyr and music enthusiast Alfred Legner, was launched in 2006 with the aim to organise small concerts in a rural setting for both lovers of classical and more popular music.

Under the artistic directorship of South Africa born German pianist Andreas Kern the music on offer varies between classical and contemporary chamber music, popular choir works and Jazz, bringing together community ensembles and soloists with well known national and international musicians.

A top local composer is commissioned every year to write a piece especially for the festival and in doing so the Darling Music Experience nurtures and showcases the exceptional talent we have in our country.

The venues for the concerts vary between pretty wine estates, Darling’s lovely old Presbyterian Church, village barns, and even a Vlei. Delicious local food and the well known Darling wines play an integral role in the DME and enhances the whole experience for you, the concertgoer.

For our kids we have introduced the DME Musical Rally, a fun event to encouraging them “to use their ears as eyes”.

In a nutshell : our idea is to freshen the image of classical music and increase its accessibility to all sectors of the West Coast, Cape Town and beyond and to celebrate the good things in life.
Life is beautiful!