TWC pianist qualifies in prestigious music contest
Shin-Yih Aerin Chen, a Grade 7 learner at the Wykeham Collegiate, has qualified to participate in the prestigious Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition.
Following a rigorous programme of auditions, Shin-Yih is one of only two participants from KwaZulu-Natal who will be competing in the 33rd edition of the competition, which will take place from September 26 to 30 in Cape Town.
Altogether, 34 participants from all over the country, and Namibia, will be competing in the event.
The 12 year-old virtuoso, started playing the piano when she was six. She has lessons three times a week and practises everyday.
Her mum, Samantha Chen, said Shin-Yih is very excited to have qualified for the competition and is looking forward to the Cape Town trip.
“I am also very excited about her achievement. The announcement came as a surprise, but I am very proud of her,” said Chen.
Shin-Yih’s piano teacher, Jessica Wortmann, explained that the audition took the form of a video recording that was submitted via email.
She said Shin-Yih will be competing in a public competition for the first time and they are looking forward to it.
“Shin-Yih is a very diligent learner and has natural music ability. She works incredibly hard and does what is asked. She is a wonderful learner to teach,” said Wortmann.
Wortmann added that Shin-Yih passed her Grade 5 Trinity College London piano exams with full marks last year, and is part of the Wykeham Collegiate’s junior wind ensemble.
The Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition is organised and presented by the Tygerberg branch of the South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT). The competition was inspired by Prof Hubert van der Spuy, former chairman of the SASMT (Tygerberg Branch) and widely respected music educator.
The competition is currently the only one of its kind in South Africa and offers a unique opportunity for children aged 13 years and younger to compete against their peers from all across the nation.
Several previous winners have not only gone on to study music at tertiary level, but have also become critically (even internationally) acclaimed performers and educators. Occasionally, others have returned as esteemed members of the adjudication panel.
Chairperson of the Tygerberg branch of the SASMT, Hilda Boonzaaier, said they are excited to invite a number of worthy participants to the competition this year.
“We were happy to hear, during the online auditions, the good work being done all over the country. We salute the teachers, students and parents for their input, hard work and encouragement. We are looking forward to our 33rd competition this September,” Boonzaaier said.