Ludolph holds his own among musicians at US
In recognition of his outstanding talents, the gifted young George pianist Ludoph Pedro recently attended the
2018 biennial Stellenbosch International Piano Symposium at the University of Stellenbosch (US).
Ludolph was awarded a scholarship to attend this symposium two years ago, when he received the First Junior Prize at the Young Musicians Competition, as well as the trophy for the best pianist.
The adjudicators at that event were Prof Nina Schumann and Luis Magalhaes of the University of Stellenbosch. Ludolph was then 11 years old and a Grade 6 learner at Holy Cross Primary School.
Ludolph, now in Grade 8 at York
High School, was privileged to attend the symposium, which he found a highly rewarding experience.
The Department of Music of Stellenbosch University has been presenting the event every other year since 2006, with the main purpose of bringing together international and national pianists through master classes, lectures and concerts.
Ludolph received master classes from three acclaimed pianists, Nina Schumann (US), Luis Magalhaes (US) and Joseph Stanford (University of Pretoria). He also performed a piece, Gloria, composed by his teacher, Greta Delport Benade, at one of the conservatorium's lunch hour concerts at the Endler Hall.
Ludolph also attended daily lectures on topics such as "Practising is not enough", "Anxiety and stress among musicians", "Awareness and coping", and "Truths and myths about piano technique".
Music on the move
One of his highlights in Stellenbosch was playing various piano pieces together with music students of the university while driving through the streets of Stellenbosch on the back of a bakkie. "It was fun and incredible to be among senior musicians and experience a part of student life on campus," says Ludolph.
He has excelled in all his Unisa examinations and obtained Roll of Honour (90% and above) for all his practical and theoretical examinations.
Ludolph was awarded the Hennie Joubert Merit Prize for practical examinations in 2013, 2014 and 2016. These prizes are awarded to candidates who have excelled in the practical or theoretical music examinations conducted by the Directorate of Music.
Only the top two candidates per grade qualify for this award.
He achieved 97% for Unisa Pregrade 1 examinations in 2013; 98% for Unisa Grade 1 in 2014; and 96% for Unisa Grade 3 in 2016. He achieved 97% for his Unisa Grade 4 practical examination in 2017. His examiner commented, "Ludolph played his pieces from memory and he is a very gifted young pianist. An outstanding musical performance was rendered and excellent control was exercised."
Ludolph is a music pupil of Greta Delport Benade. He is currently doing Grade 6 piano at Unisa.