Six of the soloists are currently studying at the SA College of Music at UCT, three at the University of Stellenbosch and two at SACS and Westerford High Schools. The Pianists are Alice Clegg (24), Fan Simon Wu (17) and Jacobus de Jager (20). Rian Smit (21) plays the Flute, Colette Brand (22) Cello and Tessa Campbell (21) and Jordan Brooks (14) the Violin. There are two Sopranos, Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha (23) and Frances du Plessis (23). Darryn Kenned (24) and Kabelo Lebyana (24) are both Bass Baritone singers. All have won several awards in various categories.
Brandon Phillips, resident conductor and principal bassoon of the CPO will conduct the orchestra with works chosen by each of the soloist. The appeal of the works presented, as well as good variety in the overall programme content, played an important part in the final selection of these musicians. They will play works by Mozart, Lalo, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Vieuxtemps, Weber, Sarasate, Liszt and South African composer Hans Roosenschoon. Much of the biggest repertoire and most exciting to listen to and perform is in the concerto field (instrument with orchestra) and opera field (voice and orchestra). Concert master is Patrick Goodwin.
The adjudicating panel were Alastair Cockburn (Artistic Co-ordinator), Daniel Neal (Librarian and adhoc Cellist for the CPO), Aviva Pelham (well-known opera star and director), Ronnie Samaai (member of the CPO Board of Directors and Phillip Swales (former Music Subject Advisor of the Western Cape Education Department). Their dedication to this project over many years has seen the growth of many successful musicians who today are performing on local and international stages. The Youth Music Festival being their first.
Marlene le Roux, CEO of Artscape says; ‘Each year we are overwhelmed at the standard of these young musicians who audition. We embrace their dedication and passion as they also represent many up and coming classical musicians in the Western Cape. The teachers, music institutions and parents that nurture and support these young musicians are to be congratulated. This is a journey of many years, but this festival is a dream realized as they step on to the Artscape stage in performance with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.’
Tickets cost R80. Pensioners and students R40 with valid ID, Scholars 5-18 R40. Block bookings of 10 or more less 10%. Book through Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695, Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets, call 0861 915 8000 or book online at Computicket
