Three local musicians perform at top SA competition

  • 5 Months Ago - 2024-06-21 12:49:00
Three Namibian musicians - Juliette Nel (cello), Samuel Nel (piano) and Xin Yu Chen (piano) - have been selected to participate in the 35th annual Hubert van der Spuy music competition taking place from 16 to 20 September in Stellenbosch.
The competition has undoubtedly become one of the highlights of the music scene for young prodigies. The 35th anniversary will be marked by a new collaboration with the Stellenbosch University Music Department.
According to Prof Mario Nell, chairperson of the Stellenbosch University Music Department: “The Stellenbosch University Music Department is the oldest institution of its kind in South Africa and boasts a proud tradition, spanning more than a century, of dedication to music education, the performing arts, creative work and academic research.
“The Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition's commitment to identify, develop and provide public exposure to our country’s outstanding young generation of classical musicians, fits like a glove with the Music Department’s commitment to reach out into the school-going ages, and foster such young talents.”
The competition is organised and presented by the Tygerberg Branch of the South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT). The first competition took place in 1989. Prof Hubert van der Spuy - former chairperson of the SASMT (Tygerberg Branch) and widely respected music educator, inspired the competition.
The competition offers a unique opportunity for children aged 13 years and younger to compete against their peers. Several previous winners of the competition have not only gone on to study music at a tertiary level but have also in turn become critically, even internationally, acclaimed performers and educators themselves.
The rigorous programme demanded by participants ensures a high standard of quality is maintained, whilst providing them with a platform from which to gain invaluable performance experience.
Juliette, Samuel and Xin will be participating against 46 other musicians from South Africa.