Piano prodigies strike the right note in national competition
Two talented young pianists from Manor Gardens will represent Durban at one of South Africa’s leading youth music competitions.
TWO musical prodigies from Manor Gardens have made it into the final of the prestigious Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition in the Western Cape in September.
Twelve-year-old Adriaan Spies and Emmanuel Spies, 10, successfully auditioned on piano to make the cut for the competition which is now in its 37th year.
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) in collaboration with the Stellenbosch University (SU).
Adriaan and Emmanuel were among 47 participants that showed off their talent and skills to the panel that included the chairperson of the SASMT (Tygerberg branch) Hilda Boonzaaier, Dr Marlene le Roux, and Professor Mario Nell of SU’s Department of Music.
Boonzaaier said she was encouraged by the talent displayed by the young musicians at the competition. She said, “It was a huge privilege to listen to the excellent work entered by learners and teachers. We also acknowledge the precious role of everyone giving support to our young musicians.
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“Keep up the good work. We are excited to experience your progress and hear your performances in September.”
Her sentiments were shared by Nell who said, “The Stellenbosch University Department of Music is proud to be part of this valuable initiative and to once again host the competition. Opportunities such as these play an indispensable role in nurturing the next generation of South African musicians.”
The competition is inspired by Prof Hubert van der Spuy, the former chairperson of the SASMT (Tygerberg Branch) and widely respected music educator.
It offers a unique opportunity for children aged 13 years and younger to compete against their peers from all across the nation to win cash prizes exceeding R100 000.
The competition week will run from September 22 to 26 at the Endler and Fismer Halls, Stellenbosch University, and the final will be live streamed on September 26 via their YouTube channel. Tickets will be available through Webtickets.
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