Classics on Turf made possible by Telkom Captivates Cape Town
Published: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
The harmonious fusion of sport and symphony found new expression as Classics on Turf made possible by Telkom following its Cape Town debut, enchanting audiences with a day of refined golfing leisure and an evening of transcendent music.
Cape Town, South Africa — The harmonious fusion of sport and symphony found new expression as Classics on Turf made possible by Telkom following its Cape Town debut, enchanting audiences with a day of refined golfing leisure and an evening of transcendent music.
After three unforgettable years in Johannesburg, this signature experience, where the timeless elegance of golf meets the emotive power of classical music, arrived in the Western Cape for the first time. Hosted at the prestigious Steenberg Golf Club and the iconic Norval Foundation, the event unfolded as a celebration of excellence, artistry, and connection.
Professional golfers and amateurs alike gathered on Steenberg’s immaculate course for a day defined by grace and camaraderie. The Beyond the Greens golf clinic welcomed those new to the sport, while seasoned players enjoyed a full round of eighteen holes.
As the sun descended behind the Constantia mountains, the event transformed into an evening of musical splendour. Under the baton of the acclaimed conductor Kutlwano Masote, the orchestra filled the Norval Foundation with stirring melodies. The performance brought together the artistry of jazz virtuoso Paul Hanmer and opera soprano Lynelle Kenned in a seamless musical dialogue that traversed genres and emotions. The result was a performance that embodied the spirit of collaboration and unity that Classics on Turf represents.
“Telkom steps into this space not as a spectator, but as the force that connects it all, where key conversations flow as seamlessly as the music, and where culture sets the stage for stronger partnerships and meaningful growth,” said Gugu Mthembu, Chief Marketing Officer at Telkom.
Telkom’s role as the connectivity collaborator was demonstrated vividly through an AI-powered music generator that invited guests to participate in the creation of an entirely new composition. Using their mobile devices, audience members responded to prompts about their mood and musical preferences. These inputs were translated into a live orchestral score, composed and performed in the evening moments after the new composition was printed onto paper and distributed to an expectant orchestra.
The moment transformed the latent creative potential of the room into a sonic composition that captured both human emotion and digital capability, the marriage of a heritage art and machine aided innovation. It was a powerful illustration of how technology can enable shared creativity and amplify the beauty of collective expression.
"Beyond the stage and the fairway, Classics on Turf reflects our investment in experiences that resonate with communities, talent, and key strategic partners. It is a stage where the value of talent, creativity, and collaboration come to life, showing how Telkom continues to innovate while driving both cultural impact and business opportunity." concluded Gugu Mthembu.
Event Director Mqondisi Gumede described Classics on Turf as “a living celebration of the power of sport and symphony and connection. Participation in the challenge of sports makes us feel so much more alive and music reminds us that South African creativity has no bounds. We are both proud and privileged that in Telkom we have a grand collaborator that sees the possibility in every guest, every note, and every swing, where possibility is not just imagined but orchestrated together for a memorable experience.”
The Cape Town edition was enriched through the participation of key stakeholders from media to strategic partners , who joined as a valued collaborator. Our media partners ignited strong listener engagement and made the day more accessible through on-air competitions that brought Cape Town audiences closer to the event. Several radio and social media winners were among the distinguished guests at Steenberg and Norval Foundation, where they shared in the day’s unique atmosphere of artistry and connection. As the journey continues to Johannesburg, consumers in Gauteng can look forward to hearing more about the next chapter across our social media platforms and radio stations.
Johannesburg Encore
The Classics on Turf journey continues in Johannesburg on 14 November 2025, when the series returns to the Killarney Country Club. Guests can look forward to:
- An eighteen-hole golf experience
- Beyond the Greens introductory clinic
- A full orchestral concert conducted by Kutlwano Masote
- A performance featuring the incomparable Judith Sephuma
Tickets are available via Quicket.
About Telkom
Telkom is one of South Africa’s leading telecommunications and technology companies. With a purpose to connect people and enable progress, Telkom provides integrated communications, digital, and technology solutions to homes, businesses, and communities across the country. The company is driven by innovation and guided by its belief that possible begins here, creating opportunities for connection, creativity, and growth.
About Classics on Turf
Founded by Zwelibanzi Mntambo, Classics on Turf is South Africa’s innovative event series at the intersection of classical music, sport, and community celebration. It brings together the precision of golf and the power of orchestral performance to create shared cultural experiences that inspire connection and creativity. Each edition features exceptional South African talent and invites guests to experience elegance, artistry, and the joy of possibility in play.
