Pretoria's rising music stars selected for prestigious national competition
Five talented young pianists and violinists from Pretoria have secured places in the 2026 Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition, joining some of South Africa's most promising young musicians in the prestigious national event.
Four talented young musicians from Pretoria are set to showcase their skills on a national stage after being selected to participate in the 2026 Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition—one of Southern Africa’s most prestigious competitions for young performers.
Now in its 37th year, the competition continues to provide a platform for exceptional musicians 13-years-old and younger to compete against their peers from across South Africa.
Competition spokesperson Elzaan Steyn said the competition, organised by the Tygerberg branch of the South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT), has played a significant role in nurturing young musical talent since its inception in 1989.
Among the successful applicants from Gauteng are Pretoria-based musicians Lia Kleynhans, Hanna Marais, Elsa Marais, Cynthia Wang and Selina Yang, all of whom have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their musical development from a young age.
Image: Supplied.
Steyn said nine-year-old Lia will participate for the third consecutive year.
“She began playing the piano at the age of five under the guidance of Lezanti van Sittert and was named a semi-finalist in the 2025 edition of the competition. Her growing list of achievements includes participation in the Atterbury National Piano Competition over the past two years,” Steyn said.
Steyn added that later this month, Lia will have the opportunity to perform with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra at the Junior Concerto Festival—another milestone in her young musical career.
Ten-year-old Hanna Marais started piano lessons at four-and-a-half years old with Claudine van Breda and currently studies under Tessa Rhoodie.
Image: Supplied.
“In addition to piano, Hanna also plays the cello. She has participated in several prominent competitions and eisteddfods, including the Hubert van der Spuy Competition, the Atterbury Piano Competition and the Victoria Bennett Competition,” Steyn said.
Steyn also said eight-year-old Elsa Marais secured a place in the national competition.
“Elsa began piano lessons at the age of four and has since expanded her musical interests to include the violin. She has gained valuable performance experience through participation in various eisteddfods and competitions, including the Hubert van der Spuy Competition, the Atterbury Piano Competition and the Victoria Bennett Competition,” Steyn said.
Image: Supplied.
She currently receives piano tuition from Rhoodie.
Steyn said Cynthia, who recently turned 10-years-old, is making remarkable strides in her musical journey.
“At just nine years old, she achieved her Trinity College London Grade 8, becoming the youngest candidate in South Africa to reach this level across all instruments,” Steyn added.
She said Cynthia’s passion for performing was evident from an early age. At eight, she won the 8–10 years category at the Victoria K. Bennett Music Competition.
Image: Supplied.
Inspired by Ray Chen and Janine Jansen, Cynthia dreams of becoming a globally touring soloist.
“Selina Yang, a 12-year-old Grade 7 pupil at Crawford International Preparatory School in Pretoria, has been playing the violin since the age of five under the mentorship of Evert van Niekerk and later Hendi Krog,” Steyn said.
Steyn said Selina has developed into a versatile young musician, beginning piano at the age of seven and cello at 10-years-old.
“She performed in the final round of the Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition in Stellenbosch, where she received the Best Strings Player Award,” Steyn said.
Image: Supplied.
She added that at the Pretoria Eisteddfod, Selina became the first participant to win both the Overall Winner for Violin and the Overall Winner for Cello awards in the same year.
Selina received 10 awards and trophies, including the Stefans Grove Trophy for Overall Winner for Violin, the Alexander Knyasev Trophy for Overall Winner for Cello and the Paganini Trophy for Best Violin Solo.
The competition is hosted in partnership with the Stellenbosch University Department of Music—a collaboration that began in 2024.
Professor Mario Nell from the department emphasised the importance of such initiatives in developing future musicians.
“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,” he said.
SASMT Tygerberg chairperson Hilda Boonzaaier praised the standard of entries received this year and acknowledged the support provided by teachers and families.
“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. Keep up the good work! We are excited to experience your progress and hear your performances in September,” she said.
Named after renowned South African music educator Professor Hubert van der Spuy, the competition has become a launchpad for many successful musicians and educators over the past three decades.
This year’s successful participants will gather in September to compete and continue a tradition of musical excellence that has shaped generations of young performers across the country.
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