In a first for Stellenbosch University’s (SU) music department, an undergraduate student recently had his composition performed by the University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra (USSO).
This is according to Vicky Davis, artistic manager at SU’s music department and organiser of the Endler Concert Series.
SMF News attended the USSO Youth Concerto Festival at SU’s Endler Hall on 5 September. The festival forms part of the Endler Concert Series, which runs from February to December, according to Davis.
“It’s a huge honour for me,” said Kerwin Albertus, the fourth-year BMus student who had his composition performed by the USSO.
According to Albertus, the experience gave him confidence as a composer.
“Hearing my piece being performed by the USSO reassures me that I’m on the right track,” he said.
Kerwin Albertus received roaring applause from the audience at the University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra Youth Concerto Festival after the premiere of his original composition. SMF News was in attendance at Stellenbosch University’s Endler Hall on 5 September. Albertus, who specialises in composition, said it was a surprise when he heard that his composition, Kushuka, would be featured at the Concerto Festival. PHOTO: Hannah Abrahams
“A highlight was showcasing the premiere of the composition by young up-and-coming SU composer, Kerwin Albertus,” said Davis. “And, on the same night, [to] have legendary composer Hendrik Hofmeyr also attend and have his compositions performed.”
Davis said that students had to audition earlier this year to be considered for the Concerto Festival.
“A strict audition process is followed with a panel of adjudicators,” said Davis. “This year it was Hendrik Hofmeyr, Bennie van Eeden, and Michelle Williams.”
Showcasing student talent
The Concerto Festival is a showcase of the music department’s top soloist students, according to Davis.
“This is [an] evening where our soloists get the opportunity to perform with full orchestra support, similar to how they would on a professional stage,” said Davis.
The orchestra was conducted by Rik Ghesquière, freelance conductor and extraordinary associate professor of music at SU’s music department.
“It’s very important for [the soloists] because this experience is unique,” said Ghesquière. “When you study an instrument and want to become a performer, you don’t [really] have the chance to perform with an orchestra as a soloist.”
Saxophonist James Cilliers, a first-year BMus student at Stellenbosch University (SU), performed with an orchestra as a soloist for the first time at this year’s University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra Concerto Festival. The orchestra was conducted by Rik Ghesquière, freelance conductor and extraordinary associate professor of music at SU’s music department. SMF News was in attendance. PHOTO: Hannah Abrahams
Among the students making their soloist debut with orchestral accompaniment was James Cilliers, a first-year BMus student who plays the saxophone.
“The competition is pretty tight,” he said. “You can’t just pitch and expect to get in.”
Cilliers said that he had been practising his solo piece for about two years before getting to perform it.
‘A huge recognition’
Amber Abrahams, a flautist and final-year BMus student at SU, also made her soloist debut with orchestral accompaniment.
Abrahams said that there are many talented and hardworking musicians at SU’s music department, which makes the chance of getting to perform at festivals slim.
“It really is a huge recognition of the hard work that you put in as a student,” she said.
The University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra Concerto Festival, which takes place every two years, gives students the opportunity to perform as soloists with orchestra accompaniment. This is according to Vicky Davis, artistic manager and organiser of the Endler Concert Series. PHOTO: Hannah Abrahams