Solo stage specials
IT’S a highlight on the classical music calendar and this year it celebrates its 47th year with 12 extraordinarily talented young classical musical instrumentalists and singers. Taking place at the Artscape Theatre is the Western Cape Youth Music Festival, presented by Artscape Theatre Centre and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO).
The soloists successfully auditioned to perform on a professional stage with the CPO and they range in age from 20 to 25. Seven are students at the SA College of Music at UCT and four at the University of Stellenbosch; while 8-year-old Eléna Monvoisin, who is homeschooled, plays the piano.
Playing a key part in the judges selection was the appeal of the works presented, and “good variety in the overall programme content”.
The youthful musicians chose composers David Popper, Spohr, Ravel, Handel, Elgar, Grieg, Mozart, Saint-Saëns, Cecile Chaminade, Bruch, Gershwin and Chopin.
Brandon Phillips is resident conductor and principal bassoonist of the CPO and he spends time with each soloist preparing them for the concert. Patrick Goodwin is concert master.
Says Artscape chief executive Marlene Le Roux: “Once again we are astounded at the standard of these young soloists and welcome the return of two musicians who auditioned again this year…
“We applaud the soloists, their teachers, music institutions and parents who nurture and support these young artists as this is a journey of many years. Stepping on to the Artscape stage in performance with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra is a significant milestone in their careers.”
Louis Heyneman, chief executive of the CPO, said: “The orchestra and its predecessors have been a part of the festival from the days when David Tidboald established it in 1971. He was an integral part of orchestral life in Cape Town until a few years before his death this year at the age of 92. We know he would have been proud of the young musicians who share the stage this year.”
The adjudicating panel included Alastair Cockburn (artistic co-ordinator), Daniel Neal (librarian and ad hoc cellist for the CPO), Aviva Pelham (opera star and director), Ronnie Samaai (music educator and member of the CPO board of directors and Phillip Swales (former music subject advisr of the WCED). In their words: Chris Njapha, 20. Originally from Amanzimtoti, Chris moved to Cape Town two years ago. Why the cello? “I always wanted to do something with music. I started on the piano and moved on to the violin. The sound and shape of the cello was so fascinating. The sound was such an epiphany and so many things started to come to me. The instrument has got so many moving expressions and such deep pathos and I enjoy how close it sounds to a voice.
Chris will be playing the first movement of Elgar’s Cello Concerto, which many associate with the iconic cellist Jacqueline du Pré.
How do you feel about this concert?
“It definitely gives me opportunities. You practise for hours and luckily people notice you and I’m thankful for people who appreciate this music and showcase it – it makes you feel valued.”
Cameron Williams, 20, plays the clarinet and is also a saxophonist. He will be playing the first movement of Louis Spohr’s Clarinet Concerto no 3.
“It’s a really nice piece and I enjoy it as it’s also fun and deserves to be heard. Technically, it can be challenging.”
Cameron, who is from Pretoria originally and studies at Stellenbosch University, has been involved for as long as he can remember in some way in music. “I started playing the recorder at the age of 5 and kind of switched over when I got older and also took up the saxophone.”
Rehearsals start on Friday for the concert.
Nastassja Pretorius, 21, is also a cellist and will be playing SaintSaens Cello Concerto no 1.
She started playing at the age of six and recently returned from a European tour with Miagi (Music is a Great Investment). As a child prodigy she studied with Leonore Ehlers at Hugo Lambrecht’s Music Centre. “As a teacher she really grounded me very well and was a great influence.” Why the Saint-Saens concerto? “It’s accessible and grabs your attention; it also captures the cello so well.”
The concert on September 1 starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost R80. Pensioners and students R40, scholars 5-18 R40. Block bookings of 10 or more less 10%. Book at Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695, Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers, call 0861 915 8000 or www.computicket.com