60 Music students tune up for competition

The event celebrates its 25th anniversary and builds on the strong foundation laid by the Tygerberg Branch of the South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT) since 1989 when Hubert van der Spuy, with Sanlam'sassistance, inspired the competition and afforded fledgling musicians the opportunity to compete on a national basis for the first time. The SAMRO Foundation came on board as the main sponsor in 2011 when Sanlam withdrew.

The 60 candidates were selected after the national auditions and will compete over four rounds. Medals, prize money totalling more than R80,000 and other attractive prizes are at stake.

The categories

There are four categories: Piano, Strings, Woodwind & Brass Instruments, and Other Instruments (percussion, recorder, classical guitar and harp), with a sub-category for developmental groups.

The sub-category special incentive was created four years ago for developmental groups from disadvantaged communities and enables these candidates to compete on equal terms with participants from other communities.

To share in celebrating the silver jubilee, Hilda Boonzaaier, president of the SASMT: Tygerberg, invites music students in and around Cape Town, parents, tutors and the general public to attend the competition. No entrance fees apply for the opening and the first three rounds. Only for the final round/gala evening on Friday night a modest fee will be charged and seats have to be reserved.

For more, go to www.samrohubertvanderspuy.wordpress.com or call the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre at +27 (0)21 939 9105.