Artscape Youth Music Competition prize money at R120K

For the first time each of the 18 talented young musicians who have been selected from all over South Africa will receive a R1,000 cash benefit even before they start to vie for top honours during the final rounds which take place from 14-18 October at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town. The winner and runners-up will also receive gold, silver and bronze medals. 

 

“This is the third largest music competition in South Africa, and the only one for talented classical musicians between the ages of 14 and 19 years, who are too young to qualify for the UNISA International Music and the ATKV Muziq competitions,” says Artscape CEO, Michael Maas. 

 

“It is also the only music competition where the young finalists are afforded the privilege to compete against each other to the accompaniment of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO). 

 

A royal flush

 

“For the second consecutive year, we have a royal flush with participants in all four categories, namely piano, strings, wind and other instruments,” he says. 

 

Each contestant takes part in the first two rounds, after which a maximum of twelve competitors go through to the third round. Thereafter, six finalists are chosen to perform with the CPO at a gala concert under the baton of Brandon Phillips, artistic director and conductor of the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. 

 

During the first two rounds, all competitors are required to play four works from at least three different style periods. One of the works must be a movement from a classical or romantic sonata. A later style period is allowed for brass instruments and saxophone. 

 

In the third round, contestants play a 20-minute recital of contrasting works, as well as a movement from a concerto; or a single work for the chosen instrument; or two movements from a concerto; or a complete concerto with piano accompaniment. 

 

 

Adjudicators

 

The panel of adjudicators include prominent academics and musicians such as Prof Nicholas Basson (music educator), Ella Fourie (piano), Michael Maas (Artscape CEO), Suzanne Martens (violin), Kutlwano Masote (violin), Mario Nell (piano), Nina Schumann (piano) and Bridget Rennie-Salonen (flute). 

 

As part of a training initiative, the UNISA shadow jury will consist of previous contestants. 

 

“Since its inception at Artscape seven years ago, the event has grown into one of the premier showcases of Africa’s future classical music stars,” says Maas.

 

The National Youth Music Competition is presented by Artscape in association with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, the City of Cape Town, Rupert Music Foundation and Fine Music Radio.