Eight talented musicians from Youth Orchestras of Namibia (Yona) have been selected to participate in the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) in July.
This marks their first international journey to showcase their dedication and skills outside Namibia.
Violinists Edlin Hochobeb (13), Twani Fredericks (18), Kevin Florian (14), and Olivia Stommel (14), will participate with viola player Angelo Tadesse (17) and cellist Shali Hamulungu (17). Guiding them through this transformative experience are violinist Ronaldo Kandume (26) and cellist Muinee Kasuvire (23), both mentors and fellow participants.
“These children are ecstatic. For many, it will be their first flight. They have worked tirelessly, from rigorous video auditions to intensive practice sessions since April. The opportunity not only allows them to showcase their talent but also highlights the potential of arts and culture in fostering societal change among Namibian youth,” said Yona spokesperson Kandume.
At SICMF, the young musicians will benefit from masterclasses conducted by internationally acclaimed teachers, perform alongside esteemed artists, and even present their concerts featuring compositions from Namibian conductors such as Eslon Hindundu and Osmond !Owoseb.
The SICMF is an internationally recognised classical music festival hosted by the University of Stellenbosch. Nearly 280 young musicians take part in this annual festival.
The participants receive coaching from renowned international faculty members, perform in one of the two orchestras, play chamber music, and attend master classes and faculty concerts during the 10 days of the festival.
The organisers of the SICMF are thrilled that a group from another SADC country will take part in the festival’s development programme.
Those partaking in the programme will be given a 45-minute concert in the Fismer Hall at the Stellenbosch Conservatoire of Music, as well as partake in all the other activities at the SICMF.
“This amazing opportunity comes with great responsibility. Every participant had to prepare a challenging repertoire for a video audition. Once the auditions were submitted, they had to start practicing in earnest for their concerts,” he said.
According to Yona director Gretel Coetzee, the festival will expose young Namibian musicians to the coaching of international standards and give them opportunities to network with other classical musicians from South Africa and internationally.
“I did not imagine that it would be possible for Yona’s students to attend this festival. However, thanks to funding from the SICMF and the National Arts Council of Namibia, we are able to go,” she said.
-priscillamukokobi@gmail.com