Siblings perform at top SA music competition
Two Namibians – siblings Juliette and Samuel Nel from the coast – have been selected to participate in the Hubert van der Spuy Music Competition taking place in South Africa in September.Juliette (10) plays the cello, while Samuel (13), who has participated in the competition before, plays the piano.
Both have worked extremely hard to progress to this level.
Juliette will be travelling to Vienna in August to prepare with her teacher there, while Samuel heads to South Africa this month for a week of intense lessons with his teacher.
Also, Samuel’s piece that has been prepared for the competition was written for him about Namibia.
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 across the country. Several previous winners have not only gone on to study music at tertiary level but have also, in turn, become critically (even internationally) acclaimed performers and educators themselves. On occasion, others have returned to the competition as esteemed members of the jury panel.
The rigorous programme demands placed on participants ensures a high standard of quality is maintained, whilst providing them with a platform from which to gain invaluable performance experience.
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).
According to the chairperson of the Tygerberg branch of SASMT, Hilda Boonzaaier: “We are thrilled with the number and quality of entries received for this year’s competition. The audition panel found it quite challenging to elect 48 participants only as the standard of playing was so high. We wish everyone the best as they prepare for this exciting event. We are looking forward to our 34th competition from 25 to 29 September!”