Celebrate the 10th Stellenbosch International Piano Symposium this March

The Stellenbosch International Piano Symposium will celebrate its 10th edition when it returns to the Stellenbosch University Konservatorium from March 25 to 29.

The biennial classical music event has, over the years, introduced audiences to acclaimed international pianists, including Antonio Pompa-Baldi and Emanuil Ivanov, who made their South African debuts at the symposium.

This year’s programme once again features evening solo piano concerts, alongside the popular Piano Extravaganza on Sunday, March 29, where 10 pianos will be played simultaneously in a large-scale performance.

Beyond the concerts, the symposium serves as a networking and development platform for pianists and teachers.

Organisers said participants will have access to public masterclasses, lessons, and lectures presented by local and international faculty. Members of the public can attend events through specially tailored day passes or purchase tickets for evening performances.

Since 2012, the symposium has partnered with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra to present the Hennie Joubert Piano Competition during the same week.

The competition provides young pianists with the opportunity to perform in a world-class setting. The final round will take place on Saturday, March 28, in Endler Hall, conducted by rising young conductor Jacobus de Jager. The first two rounds, scheduled for March 23 and 24 are free and open to the public.

In a first for the event, the 2026 symposium will introduce a junior category for pianists at Grade 4 level and above. Participants may also opt to receive tuition in solo or collaborative performance.

Reflecting a growing trend of genre crossover, the symposium will, for the first time, include a jazz stream, with participants working alongside prominent artists Andrew Lilley, Melvin Peters and Ramon Alexander.

Among the highlights is Bulgarian pianist Ludmil Angelov, who will make his symposium debut during his first concert tour to South Africa. Known for his interpretations of Chopin and performances in major concert halls worldwide, Mr Angelov joins returning Bulgarian pianist Emanuil Ivanov and Estonian pianist Kärt Ruubel on this year’s programme.

The symposium opens on Wednesday, March 25, with the unveiling of a new artwork by renowned artist Gavin Rain.

A free public performance of Peter Louis van Dijk’s The Selfish Giant, presented in front of the Konservatorium building, will precede an evening piano recital in the Endler Hall by young South African pianist Leo Gevisser.

Applications for the junior category close on Saturday, February 28, while classical and jazz applicants have until Monday, March 2, to submit their applications. Day passes and concert tickets are available through Webtickets and the symposium's website.

For more information, you can send an email to concerts@sun.ac.za. 

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