The exceptional talent of young instrumentalists and singers takes centre stage at Artscape on 1 October at 19:30 as the Youth Classical Concert resounds for the 51st year. A collaboration between Artscape and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), has stood the test of time as a highlight on the classical music calendar.
Showcasing eleven young soloists chosen from bona fide music students in the Western Cape, the youngest participant is Nina Cilliers (12) who at the age of 10 scooped best performance accolades in the Southern African Music Rights Organisation competitions in 2019.
The Concert has grown extensively over the years to accommodate the enormous interest and exceptional talent of young instrumentalists and musicians. This prestigious event, with support from the City of Cape Town, acknowledges talent and provides an opportunity for young musicians to gain professional experience by performing with the CPO. The emphasis of the Concert is a celebration of young musical talent and not a competition.
The auditions were adjudicated by Nina Schumann, Patrick Tikolo, Neil Robertson, Bongiwe Nakani, Marvin Weavers and Brandon Phillips, who will be conducting this concert as resident conductor of the CPO. He is also music director and conductor of the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.
Says Louis Heyneman, CEO of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, “With musicians of the calibre of those performing tonight, we know that classical music in South Africa is in a good place. We are justifiably proud that many of the young performers are products of our own vast education and development programme. This collaboration with Artscape gives young people, many for the first time, the chance to gain performance experience with a symphony orchestra as soloists, and helps prepare them for a future in music.”
According to Artscape CEO, Marlene le Roux, it is an absolute privilege that Artscape and the CPO can host the Youth Classical Concert after two years of restrictions on a bigger scale in the Opera House in order to offer patrons such an eclectic repertoire.
“I sincerely appreciate the dedicated effort and enthusiasm of this year’s participants. Music is a universal language that can be understood by all. It is a cohesive factor that binds cultures together and Artscape thrives on inclusivity in all arts genres.”
Many participants over the years have gone on to become professional musicians and music teachers, passing on what they have learnt to the next generation of young musicians.
Youth Classical Concert 2022: Youth Classical Concert 2022 Soloists
| NAME | SURNAME | AGE | SUBURB | INSTRUMENT |
| Setsoane | Ntseki | 24 | Observatory | Voice Soprano |
| Nina | Cilliers | 12 | Durbanville | Violin |
| Grace | Njogu | 21 | Observatory | Clarinet |
| Zelmarie | Barnard | 22 | Somerset West | Soprano |
| Ethan | Lawson | 21 | Stellenbosch | Cello |
| Vivianna | Shmanova Pearson | 17 | Newlands | Piano |
| Mikhaila | Porter | 19` | Stellenbosch | Piano |
| Jason | September | 21 | Mitchells Plain | Voice Tenor |
| Kyle | Smith | 24 | Retreat | Double bass |
| David | Cyster | 22 | Kuils River | Clarinet |
| Christoff | Joubert | 20 | Stellenbosch | Piano |
Tickets (prices range from R50 – R100) are available through Computicket, Shoprite and
Checkers outlets or Artscape Dial-a-Seat +27 (0) 21 421-7695. Visit the Artscape website (www.artscape.co.za) for more information.
For media enquiries, please contact Themba Mzondi on 078 113 5216 or email Themba@sceproductions.co.za
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Issued by: Artscape
Marketing Department
Senior Manager: Communications and Brand Management
Simone Heradien
Contact: 073 207 1558