Local youngsters to take part in prestigious music competition

Staff Reporter|Published 11 months ago

Professor Mario Nell is the chairperson of the Stellenbosch University Music Department.

The annual Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition, this year in its 35th year, is a highlight on the music scene for young prodigies, and is now in a new collaboration with the Stellenbosch University Music Department.

The competition week will be hosted at the Endler Hall from Monday September 16 to Friday September 20.

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 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.

A total of 49 successful applicants include 22 from the Western Cape. On the local scene are Milana du Toit (violin), from Somerset West, William Cass (piano), from Strand, Luke Steenkamp (cello), from Gordon’s Bay, and Olivia Malan (piano), from Paarl.

Professor Hubert van der Spuy and Dr Marlene le Roux.

Violist Milana du Toit from Somerset West is one of the successful applicants for the 2024 Hubert van de Spuy National music Competition.

Young piano player William Cass from Strand, is one of the Western Cape participants.

Luke Steenkamp from Gordon’s Bay will compete on his chello against his peers in this year’s Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition.

Another successful participant in this year’s competition is pianist Olivia Malan from Paarl.