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THE GREYTON POST
MAY /JUNE 2025
CoenieVisser:The Maestro BehindGreyton Genadendal’s ‘Classics for All’ Festival
T he 21st Greyton Genadendal Classics for All Festival is set to delight music enthusiasts from May 9th to 11th, featuring ten diverse musical performances. These range from solo recitals to large choral and orchestral concerts, showcasing a rich tapestry of sounds. Behind every grand event is a master planner, and for this festival, it’s none other than Coenie Visser. Known to long-time Greyton residents and perhaps a new face to recent arrivals, Coenie is a figure of charm, energy, and innovative ideas, often seen in his trademark casual attire. Coenie’s journey began with a BA Honours in Languages from the Universities of Stellenbosch and Cape Town, followed by further studies at the University of Reykjavik in Iceland. His career took him from reporting at Die Burger to lecturing at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, covering subjects from Xhosa to Journalism. His connection to Greyton started in 1994 during an art exhibition visit with his partner. Falling in love with the village, they purchased a property and transformed a near- derelict building on Ds Botha Street into the popular Oak & Vigne Café. This venture introduced the first cappuccino and croissant to the village, setting a trend for future coffee shops.
life led him to chair the Winter Festival Committee and handle media and marketing for the Greyton Tourism Committee. It was here that he pioneered the annual Music Festival, aiming to offer something distinct from the typical Afrikaans music festivals in other villages. This initiative not only provided a stage for local talents like the Genadendal Brass Band but also supported the development of local musicians, with festival profits aiding this cause. Coenie’s life took a turn in 2014 when he accepted a corporate language consultant role in Bangkok, where he now conducts Business English workshops for executives. Despite relocating, he continues to orchestrate the festival with the help of Leone Rouillard and a dedicated committee back in Greyton. Although he’s no longer a resident, Coenie maintains his ties to the village as co-owner of the Oak and Vigne complex and as the director of the ‘Classics for All’ Festival. His legacy in Greyton is marked not only by his contributions to its cultural life but also by the relationships he fostered, particularly in Heuwelkroon and Genadendal, aiming to bridge communities through the power of music. For everything that Coenie has accomplished and continues to contribute, Greyton says, “Thank you, Coenie.”
Vigne hosting various themed evenings, from Turkish dinners with belly dancing to celebrity chef nights, including one with Jenny Morris, the Giggling Gourmet. These gatherings not only enlivened Greyton’s social scene but
also showcased his knack for community engagement.
His deeper involvement in community
Coenie’s flair for events saw the Oak &
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