The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival is a prestigious event that aims to provide young, talented South African musicians with an exceptional opportunity to study, perform and be inspired by chamber music and orchestral playing at an internationally recognised and professional standard.
Over the course of ten days, this festival not only showcases outstanding musicianship but also establishes Stellenbosch University and South Africa as key players on the international music calendar.
Each year, a limited number of top international and national institutions are invited to send representative student groups to participate in the festival. Approximately 240 participants, aged between 12 and 28, are divided into various chamber music groups.
They receive coaching from respected international and South African artists, as well as chamber music experts who make up the festival faculty. The participants also have the opportunity to perform in a series of concerts. The festival offers tuition in piano, strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments.
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One of the unique aspects of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival is its incorporation of both chamber music and orchestral playing within a single event. This educational approach is unparalleled in South Africa and fosters a love for classical music, particularly the increasingly appreciated genre of chamber music.
Students from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of training, with a minimum requirement of UNISA grade 6 or a comparable standard, can interact and play alongside international students of exceptional caliber. They receive coaching from some of the world’s finest instrumentalists, making it an invaluable educational experience.
Participating students also have the opportunity to play in a symphony orchestra under the guidance of renowned and highly experienced international conductors. For many, it is their first time performing in a symphony orchestra.
Unlike other music festivals and orchestra courses that solely consist of participants from South Africa, the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival attracts both national and international talent.
As a result, the festival orchestras achieve outstanding quality, and even less experienced students benefit from exposure to a superior standard of playing and teaching.
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The mission and vision of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival align with the University’s goals, aiming to cultivate a deep love for classical music, help young musicians reach their full potential, and create opportunities for further music studies.
This mission is achieved by fostering interaction among a diverse range of musicians participating in chamber music groups and festival orchestras.
Additionally, the festival incorporates an extensive community development and partnership programme that provides tuition, coaching and personal mentoring to talented young musicians and learners from music development programmes. The festival also provides a platform for these budding musicians to showcase their talent.
Community development is an integral part of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival’s objectives. Selected music development programmes and music education centres are invited to send students to attend the festival.
These learners are then mentored by both national and international music students throughout the duration of the event.
Previous participants from national music development programs include the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, the Khongisa Youth Centre, the Bochabela String Project, the Buskaid Project, the Frank Pietersen Music Centre, the MTN Western Cape Music Education Project and the Indabana Music Project.
Financial support in the form of full bursaries, covering tuition, accommodation, food and transport costs is provided to participants from previously disadvantaged communities and students in need.
The festival ensures equal treatment for all participants, regardless of their socio-economic background and divisions among chamber music groups are based solely on the student’s proficiency level.
The 18th Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival, taking place from 30 June to 9 July, 2023, promises to be a captivating event. With a faculty of 31 internationally acclaimed artists from the USA, Russia, Europe and South Africa, the festival concerts showcase extraordinary collaborations and world-class music performances in Stellenbosch.
To fully experience the festival, attendees can purchase a Festival Pass, which offers a 20% discount on a full set of 10 tickets, either at the regular or student/pensioner price.
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Festival Pass holders also enjoy free entrance to public master classes, ‘In Conversation with’ lectures and student concerts that would otherwise require an admission fee of R25 per event. Festival pass holders are given preferential seating for the Endler Hall concerts, making it an all-encompassing pass to the festival’s remarkable offerings.
The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival is not only a celebration of talent and musicianship but also a driving force behind the development of classical music appreciation and the nurturing of young musicians.
For more information, visit the official website of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival.
Details:
- Location: Various locations around Stellenbosch
- Dates: 30 June to 9 July
- Tickets: Here
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Picture: Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival / Facebook
