Fine Music Radio and The De Hoop Collection are hosting a weekend of fine music, wining, dining and some adventure. The FMR Collection, as it is known, is set to take place this September.
The FMR Collection – a special programme created for Fine Music Radio listeners will take place from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 September 2023 at The De Hoop Collection in the heart of Cape Nature’s pristine De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, a three hours’ drive from Cape Town.
In what promises to be a relaxing, stimulating, entertaining, musical weekend The FMR Collection’s line-up of musicians includes David Bester and David Pinoit of the Disa Duo, Francois Botha and Yohan Chun of The Best of Both Duo and FMR’s own Louise Howlett and Penelope with Andrew Ford, Francois Botha, Ashlin Grobelaar, Kaitlin Visser and others.
The FMR Collection Weekend Itinerary
Friday 15 September
- arrive at leisure from 2 pm; from 5.30 pm enjoy welcoming drinks to the sounds of the FMR String Ensemble while the sun sets over the De Hoop vlei, followed by dinner in the company of FMR’s own Penelope and her Jazz Trio. Penelope, a full time jazz vocalist in Cape Town, presents Penelope in the Lounge, In the Mood and Saturday’s Light Lunch.
Saturday 16 September
- Breakfast from 8 am at De Hoop Collection’s warm and cosy Fig Tree Restaurant (the old Maintenance shed that dates back to the 1800s), and the rest of the morning at leisure to explore the plethora of activities on offer from whale watching to mountain biking, guided eco boat trips and bird watching
- Musical Hors d’oeuvres at 11 am: Classics and Jazz in Conversation – a practical music discussion with François du Toit and Andrew Ford
- Lunch from 12 to 2 pm against the background of a live FMR outside broadcast of the Light Lunch programme, hosted by Penelope
- High tea and sweet company from 3.30 to 5 pm – ‘In Conversation’ with Rodney Trudgeon, Mike Mills and François du Toit, facilitated by Eon de Vos – about Radio, FMR, the music and you
- The Fine Music Radio Gala Dinner from 6.30 pm – with joyous music from Bach to Broadway, featuring all FMR’s musicians and singers
Sunday 17 September
Morning – a choice of a sit-down breakfast or an on-the-go sightseeing with a packed breakfast and you might also consider experiencing an interpretive marine walk or vulture experience before leaving The De Hoop Collection – programme is subject to change.
The De Hoop Collection
The De Hoop Collection accommodation costs – ranging from R8 000 to R24 150 per unit (Campsite Rondawels, Equipped Cottages, De Hoop Village units, Vlei Cottages, Opstal Houses) are for the entire weekend.
Costs for each unit are fully inclusive of two nights’ accommodation in choice of unit, all meals, music and all FMR events for all guests. Alcohol and soft drinks will be available for purchase. FMR members enjoy a 10% discount. Terms and conditions apply.
The De Hoop Collection, a World Heritage Site, offers a range of affordable accommodation from campsite rondawels, self-catering cottages and houses (sleeping from two to six people) to romantic suites, an old stone Manor house and the recent addition of a newly restored and refurbished De Mond Villa.
Here you get to experience a unique outdoor experience like no other – the sea, beaches, a Ramsar listed vlei, rare indigenous plants, whales and diverse animal and bird life – the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
The De Hoop Collection offers a range of affordable accommodation from campsite rondawels, self-catering cottages and houses (sleeping from two to six people) to romantic suites, an old stone Manor house and the recent addition of a newly restored and refurbished De Mond Villa.
Here you get to experience a unique outdoor experience like no other – the sea, beaches, a Ramsar listed vlei, rare indigenous plants, whales and diverse animal and bird life – the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
