Talented young musicians from across South Africa will gather in Stellenbosch at the end of this month to participate in the 36th annual Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition.
The calendar highlight, which is organised and presented by the Tygerberg branch of the South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT), will be held at the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch from Tuesday 30 September to Saturday 4 October. It will feature 43 young musos.
Founded in 1989, the competition was inspired by Prof Hubert van der Spuy, former chairperson of the SASMT Tygerberg branch and widely respected music teacher. This year it continues the successful collaboration with the Stellenbosch University (SU) Department of Music that started last year.
“The SU Department of Music remains committed to the development of young talent and musical excellence in South Africa,” said Prof Mario Nell of the SU Department of Music.
This partnership reflects the department’s ongoing dedication to music education, outreach, and mentorship. “The department views its involvement not only as an investment in the future of South African music, but also as an opportunity to foster a culture of excellence and inclusivity in the arts.”
Hilda Boonzaaier, chairperson of the SASMT Tygerberg branch, added: “If the quality of the auditions is a prediction of what we are about to experience at the 36th Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition, we are in for a big treat. Congratulations to our successful candidates!”
The competition has grown into the most prestigious of its kind, offering a unique opportunity for children aged 13 years and younger to compete against their peers. Several previous winners have not only gone on to study music at tertiary level, but have also become critically and internationally acclaimed performers and teachers.
Some have also returned as members of the jury panel.
This year’s adjudicators are Junnan Sun, Esthea Kruger and Denise Sutton.
The rigorous programme demanded of participants ensures a high standard of quality is maintained, while providing them with a platform from which to gain invaluable performance experience. As custodian of young talent, the competition seeks to foster a positive environment in which the musical community of teachers, their students and parents, can share ideas and support for one another.
Participants will vie for top honours during the competition week and cash prizes.
The opening ceremony (30 September) and the first three competition rounds are open to the public free of charge, while tickets for the final gala concert on 4 October can be bought through Webtickets at R100 each. It will also be live streamed on YouTube from 16:00.
For more information on the competition, visit www.hvdspuy.co.za.
