With entries far exceeding the previous four years the standard was extraordinarily high giving the judges a difficult task. But it was popular choices that had the audience whooping and cheering with delight when the results were announced. Winner in the Jazz category was Ethan Smith whilst the Classical award was scooped by Cherilee Adams
Playing his own original compositions saxophonist Ethan Smith (20) from Elsie's River was a worthy winner in the Jazz section. His heartfelt playing of Absence of Solitude and East had the audience spellbound with each lingering note and placed him firmly in the winner's seat. Currently in his second year at the UCT College of Music Ethan has been selected to study in Norway for the next year as part of an exchange programme between the Norwegian Academy of Music and the SA College of Music. His compositions are influenced by the rich Cape Town and African styles of music and this came through strongly in both his pieces..
Xylophone and Marimba captured the grand Classical music prize for Cherilee Adams (20) of Brackenfell who delighted the audience with her beautifully choreographed playing of pieces by Bach and Toshiro Mayuzumi. Studying for her B Music at Stellenbosch University she is already an accomplished performer having played as a soloist with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, the Stellenbosch University Symphony Orchestra and the KZN Philharmonic. This lithe 20 year old captivated the audience with a lively and absorbing performance bringing these pieces to life. Having already garnered prestigious awards she showed her considerable talent as a rising star in our music industry.
As in all competitions there have to be winners. However, the high standard of the runners up prompted Jonathan Ackerman, Group Marketing Director of Pick ‘n Pay, who have sponsored the awards since their inception five years ago, to increase their prizes to R5000 each.
“Pick ‘n Pay are proud to be supporting the arts and it is rewarding to hear the talent that is being produced in this country. To say that this is world class is no understatement and we expect to see all of these youngsters acclaimed internationally in the future. We are delighted to recognize and give them the boost they may need” he said.
In the Jazz section and playing the trumpet impressively was runner up Mandla Mlangeni, a student at UCT now in his final year studying composition. Georgina Kareklas, studying Jazz vocals at UCT, gave voice to some popular songs in a delightfully alive performance that had feet tapping throughout. Classical runner up tenor Sonnyboy Dladla was an elegant and polished performer of such opera classics as Una furtiva lagrima and was a popular contender. Bradley Burgess on piano played pieces by Rachmanonov and Chopin to show his skills.
Richard Arends, Chairman of the Fine Music Radio Board, was delighted at how the event had grown showing that South Africa - and particularly Cape Town - has talented young people set to take on the world. The fact that the Concert Hall was full added to the atmosphere and support of this magnificent competition.
“One of the aims of Fine Music Radio is to showcase and support young local talent” he said. “ Pick ‘n Pay's continued support allows FMR 101.3 to positively influence the future careers of these performers.”
The winner in each category received a R20 000 bursary whilst runners up each received a R5000 Pick ‘n Pay gift card
The judging panels consisted of highly esteemed experts in their field and were ably convened by Barbara Robinson. Cecilia Laurens, Michael Maas and Virginia Oosthuizen judged the Classical section and Felicia Lesch, Julian Ford and Evan Milton judged the Jazz section.
The competition launched in late April and musicians between the ages of 18 and 28 were encouraged to enter through frequent radio and press publicity.
