ATKV-Crescendo unveils its 2026 recording artists

The ATKV-Crescendo GOUD production brings together Crescendo legend Petronel Baard and The Voice SA winner Craig Lucas, who will introduce four dynamic new artists discovered through ATKV’s 2025 mentorship programme.

The production is directed and produced by Whaden Johannes, himself a Crescendo alumnus and recording artist. “The audience can expect something fresh and different,” promises Whaden.

“Each of these artists brings their own unique voice to the stage. Crescendo has never just been about new music – it is about torchbearers, artists who carry the legacy in their own way.”

Whaden adds that the show will have a nostalgic touch: “Last year Crescendo celebrated 50 years of talent development. With GOLD, we want to pass the torch on to a new generation.”

For Petronel Baard, who won Crescendo back when it was still a competition, the collaboration with Craig Lucas is inspiring: “Crescendo’s vision has always been that talent is not meant for competition, but for enrichment. By sharing platforms, artists cross-pollinate, learn, and grow.”

Craig Lucas agrees: “As someone whose career took flight thanks to a similar programme, it is an honour to return as both mentor and performer. Initiatives like these can change lives. I am excited to support these four artists and contribute to the legacy of one of South Africa’s most important artist development platforms.”

ATKV-Crescendo project coordinator Morné van Staden is confident that GOLD will be another standout production from the Crescendo stable: “These artists are going to leave a real mark on the Afrikaans music industry. All I can say is … watch this space.”

The four artists to be introduced, alongside the Crescendo Orchestra under the direction of William Jacobs, are:

• Lizl Simoes, pianist, master’s student, songwriter, and singer from Pretoria.

• Mark Pekeur, performer from Paarl, currently studying at the Musical Theatre Masterclass.

• Salvador Mouers, hip hop and R&B artist all the way from Windhoek, Namibia.

• Tamryn Paulse, pastor and mother of three, also from Paarl.

ATKV-Crescendo recording artists of 2026 will be introduced to the audience by Voice SA winner Craig Lucas and previous ATKV Crescendo winner Petronel Baard.

EVENT DETAILS

Venue: Daisy Jones Theatre, Stellenbosch

Date: 4 October 2025

Time: Doors open 18:00, show starts 19:00.

Tickets: R150 per person, available via Quicket

MEDIA

Contact Marlize Leyden at marlize.leyden@outlook.com or send a WhatsApp to 067 883 0077 for more info or interviews.