Randburg flautist triumphs at Grammys

For many 10 year olds, if parents ask them if they’d like to play an instrument they choose the drums, or the guitar, or maybe even the piano.
However, for a young Wouter Kellerman, his interest lay in an instrument not as popular: The flute.

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It was a choice he would later come to relish, as it would see him win his third Grammy at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for his album Triveni, which he collaborated on with Indian vocalist Chandrika Tandon and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto.

Throughout his many albums, the celebrated flautist and composer blends world musical influences with his classical training, creating a signature sound that continues to earn international acclaim.

Kellerman’s journey with music started as a pre-teen, when his parents took him to watch his first symphony concert. They then encouraged him to choose an instrument to play. His brother chose the clarinet, while he chose the flute. “I liked the idea of using breath to express yourself, whether in speaking or singing. It felt like such a natural way to make music, and the flute looked interesting to me,” he recalled.

His fascination for the lesser known instrument deepened when he learned of the oldest known flute, a 60 000-year-old instrument made from a bear’s thigh bone. “Even before that, humans must have been playing reed flutes. Language also started around the same time as music, so, in a sense, they developed in parallel with the flute.”

Despite his love for music, the Grammy award winner studied engineering at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). “When I finished high school I was offered a scholarship to study engineering, which I accepted, but I still played the flute every day.”

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Still dedicated to the arts, he would take part in, and win, UJ Talent Festivals. He also performed as a soloist with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra, solidifying his roots in classical music.

Throughout his musical journey, the Ferndale resident drew inspiration from diverse influences, which included the likes of artists such as Miriam Mkheba, whose album could have been heard serenading his childhood home. “Though I grew up with classical music, the lady who looked after me when I was younger played a lot of African music. Later, I fell in love with tango, flamenco, and Irish classical music.”

For this musical pioneer, Triveni brings together a diverse global sound, which, among many facets, is celebrated for its meditative and healing qualities. On February 2 the flautist, along with his collaborators, won the Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album.

While on the world’s stage, dressed in a Gert-Johan Coetzee gold embellished black blazer, Kellerman said: “I’m incredibly grateful for this recognition. Triveni is a reflection of our belief in the power of music to heal and unite. This award is a testament to the shared vision of creating music that transcends the ordinary and connects us all at a deeper level.”

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