A double jamboree will light up the Artscape Theatre stage on September 18 at 18h30 as two golden jubilees celebrate the extraordinary milestones of 50 years in the entertainment industry. 2021 not only celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Artscape building but also the 50th annual Youth Classical Music Concert. This prestigious event acknowledges the exceptional talent of young instrumentalists and singers and provides an opportunity for them to perform on a professional stage with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO). A highlight on the classical music calendar, this historic concert will be conducted by Brandon Phillips, resident conductor of the CPO.
Divided into three groups, the soloists who have all performed in previous concerts represent past, present and the future stars. Brandon Phillips (Bassoon), Dane Coetzee (Cello), Samantha Durrant (Violin) represent the past; Lisa van Wyk (Flute), Ying-Shan Tseng (Soprano), Daniel Brodie (Piano) the present, and Eléna Monvoisin (Oboe), Jake-Ando Pretorius (Trumpet), Lulama Taifasi (Tenor) and Qden Blaauw (Piano) the future.
The main criteria when auditioned to perform in these concerts is that the soloists are bona fide music students, that they perform at a high standard and are a resident of or studying in the Western Cape. Included in the programme are concerto movements and arias by Mozart, Bruch, Mendelssohn, Ardit, Beethoven, Cimarosa, Haydn and Chopin.
The selection panel for this concert comprises Alastair Cockburn (Artistic Co-ordinator), Aviva Pelham (Opera Star, Director / Educator), Charles Banjatwa (Artscape Community Liaison Officer) and Brandon Phillips, who is also Conductor of the CPO Youth Orchestra.
Meeting all challenges in a Covid situation, Artscape and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) with the support of the City of Cape Town have ensured that the 50th annual concert is celebrated this year.
For Louis Heyneman, CEO of the CPO, the fact that three professional CPO orchestral musicians were selected to perform in the early days shows the value of the Youth Classical Music Concert. “This aligns perfectly with our own goal which is to provide opportunities for the foremost up and coming young musicians in the community. What’s more, three of the ‘future’ musicians have already performed with the CPO in a community gala. The fourth is a member of our CPO Music Academy which teaches theory and practice to musicians across the peninsula as part of our vast CP Youth Education and Development Programme of which the CP Youth Orchestra and CP Youth Wind Ensemble are the flagships.”
CEO of Artscape Dr Marlene le Roux echoed these sentiments and adds: “50 years ago the building opened to an exclusive White audience only. Persons of colour could not even perform on the then “Nico” stages let alone attend productions. As we progressed towards democracy this state of affairs changed as Artscape adopted a full transformation programme to both retain western classical art forms as well as host previously marginalised arts genres and persons. This concert epitomises that transformation of inclusivity and nation building as well as excellence as we feature the past, the present and the future. Equally, it showcases investment in Youth as an enabler to follow their dreams and emerge victorious as a professional. I thank the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra for its ground-breaking work, as well as the City of Cape Town and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for its continued support”.
To comply with Covid regulations, a limited amount of tickets will be available. Price are R100 each and sold in pairs. Pensioners and students with a valid ID R50. Scholars 5-18 years R50. There is a 10% discount for 10 or more tickets. Book through Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets or Artscape Dial-a-Seat +27 (0) 21 421-7695.
The concert will be aired on Fine Music Radio (FMR) on Sunday 10 October at 15:00. For additional viewing pleasure it will also be premiered with free access on the Artscape YouTube channel
