Renowned saxophonist Andrew Young shares his story at U3A Helderberg

Renowned saxophonist, musician and composer Andrew Young will be the guest speaker at the first University of the Third Age (U3A) Helderberg meeting of the year, to be held on Wednesday, February 4, at the DR Church in Somerset West.

The event will take place at 10am at the church in Firmount Road, Monte Sereno. Instead of performing, Young will present a talk titled “When I was a boy I had a dream,” in which he will reflect on his life, career and journey into music.

Mr Young said he began his musical training in Liverpool in the United Kingdom at the age of eight after a teacher recognised his talent. As a child, he was equally passionate about music and soccer, spending as much time on the field as he did practising his instrument. Although initially torn between the two pursuits, he ultimately chose music.

He started out playing the clarinet before progressing to the saxophone. After leaving school, Mr Young said he joined the army, allowing him to combine his musical interests with his sporting ability, and became part of the Royal Artillery Band in London.

His career later took him to Germany, where he realised he could make a living as a professional musician. In 1989, he moved to Durban, where he sad he gained his first experience performing as a soloist. After six years in South Africa, he returned to the UK to further his career and has since travelled extensively, performing internationally.

Over the years, Mr Young said he has performed for royalty and heads of state, collaborated with well-known artists and received numerous awards. Despite his international success, he has continued to return regularly to South Africa.

"While you may have heard Andrew on his saxophone, this is an opportunity to hear the ‘inside story’ of a very ordinary little boy who had a dream and has seen it, realised it perhaps beyond his wildest expectations. We are sure, his tale will enthral you as much as his music does," said Denise Fourie, the publicity co-ordinator of U3A Helderberg.

The talk is free for U3A members, while visitors will be required to pay R20 at the door.

Members may also collect their 2026 membership badges from 9.15am. For more info, contact Ms Fourie at 072 211 1173.

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