Bethal siblings included in Sinfonia Juventi Youth Orchestra

BETHAL – Cronje (16) and Karen Fourie (17), brother and sister, were chosen for this year’s Simfonia Juventi Youth Orchestra in South Africa.

The siblings had to pass an audition in January to be considered for the orchestra. Cronje plays the clarinet and Karen the violin.

They received music that they had to practice individually at home and all the members of the orchestra practised together during the April school holidays.

They ended the practice sessions with a concert for their parents.

The Fourie siblings are home schooled and come from a musical family.

Their mother, Ms Colleen Fourie, began teaching them how to play the piano when they were five years old.

Cronje can also play the saxophone and Karen the organ.

In his free time, Cronje enjoys doing woodwork and he began having his own bee hives. He is also a keen cross country athlete.

Karen enjoys to do needlecraft and playing netball and tennis. She wants to study to become a doctor when she is finished with school.

Cronje and Karen are currently preparing for their Grade 7 ABRSM clarinet and violin exams respectively.

The Simfonia Juventi Youth Orchestra offers the opportunity for gifted musicians to perform in big concerts.

The orchestra performed in Heidelberg on 20 May,Their next concert takes place at the ZK Matthews Auditorium at Unisa on 26 May.

The orchestra consists of 103 musicians and the conductor is Mr Eddie Clayton who conducts several other orchestras as well.

Some of the classical music and songs that the orchestra performs, include Swan Lake and Beethoven, the Superman theme and favourite songs from the movie “How to Train your Dragon.”

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