The celebration, dubbed ‘Cracking Walls’, will consist of a series of exhibitions and lectures that explores cultural divisions, while highlighting and applauding various ways in which they can be overcome. It is planned to culminate in the actual destruction of a part of the wall around the Goethe-Institut’s Johannesburg headquarters, in anticipation of the wall’s complete removal. Dr Katherina von Ruckteschell-Katte, head of Goethe-Institut South Africa, speaks to us about how this momentous, symbolic action arose from her own frustration with the fact that the open cultural institution she represents is obscured from general view by a high wall. While she understands that the proliferation of high walls in Johannesburg arose from safety and security concerns, she is setting out to prove that security need not be synonymous with isolation.

In keeping with this celebration of cultural exchange, our November issue is diverse in content. In our cover story, we preview the latest release by the lovely Welsh diva-to-be Katherine Jenkins. We also explore the role of political activism in South African dance, examine a new recording of Brahms’ symphonies and meet one of South Africa’s most promising young jazz musicians, Kyle Shepherd.

As always, we bring you the finest offerings in gourmet food and wine, CD, DVD and book reviews and regular columns from around the country.

CLASSICFEEL is available for only R29.95 at your nearest branch of Exclusive Books or CNA, and at selected music stores.