The contestants, classical pianists and orchestral instrumentalists, were selected from 60 musicians at qualifying auditions held in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. The competition offers prizes totaling R65 000 and takes place at Artscape.
Each participant will play in the first two rounds after which the first elimination takes place. A maximum of 12 competitors will then go through to the third round and the final six contenders will perform with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) at a gala evening on Saturday, 10 October at 7.30pm in the Artscape Theatre.
All the rounds are open to the public. Entrance is free for the first three rounds and tickets for the final round cost R70 per person. Pensioners, students and schools R30. Block bookings of 10 or more, less 10 percent. Book through Computicket, Artscape Dial-a- Seat +27 (0) 21 421 7695, Shoprite, Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay outlets and online at www.computicket.com.
The free sessions, in the Artscape Theatre, begin on Monday, 5 October:
First session is from 3.20pm to 5.20pm.
Second session from 7pm to 9pm (each 10 soloists).
Tuesday 6th
Third session 9.30am to 11.40am (11 soloists).
First session 1.30pm to 5pm (10 Soloists).
Second session 7pm to 9pm (10 soloists).
Wednesday 7th
Third session 9.30am to 12.45pm (11 soloists).
Thursday 8th
First session 10am to 12.30pm [Recitals & Concerto] (4 soloists).
Second session 2pm to 4.30 pm [Recitals & Concerto] (4 soloists)
Third session 7pm to 9.15pm [Recitals & Concerto] (4 soloists).
The final round competitors will be announced from 10 to 10.15pm.
During the first two rounds, each competitor will play four works from at least three different style periods. One of the works must be a movement from a classical or romantic sonata. A later style period is allowed for brass instruments and saxophone.
In the third round, each participant will play a 15-minute recital of two or more contrasting works. In addition an option of a movement from a concerto; or a single work for the chosen instrument; or two movements from a concerto; or a complete concerto with piano accompaniment.
Adjudicators for the competition are all widely recognised academics and professional musicians and include: Prof Nicholas Basson (University of the Western Cape) Shadrack Bokaba (violin), Professor John Hinch (flute), Michael Maas (CEO of Artscape), Kutlwano Masote (cello), Pauline Nossel (piano), Becky Steltzner (clarinet), Denise Sutton (violin) and Helena van Heerden (piano).
