Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival 2025: a celebration of musical excellence
Violinist Andrey Baranov at the SICMF 2024
Image: Tiffany
For nearly two decades, the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) has become a beacon for music lovers, attracting some of the world's most celebrated artists to the picturesque town of Stellenbosch. This year, the festival is set to take the stage once again with a lineup that promises breathtaking performances and exceptional artistry.
One of the festival's founding artists, Xandi van Dijk, first joined the faculty in 2005, offering his expertise as a conductor and violist. Now based in Germany, van Dijk has gone on to establish a remarkable career in the European classical music scene. Following closely in his footsteps, Daniel Rowland made his South African debut at SICMF in 2006. Renowned internationally for his captivating performances, Rowland remains a regular guest the globe's most prestigious chamber music festivals.
Dana Zemtsova
Image: Supplied
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Since its inception in 2004, the SICMF has expanded its repertoire and invitation list, now comprising a stellar roster of alumni who have graced stages at renowned festivals such as Verbier, Salzburg, and Marlboro. This year is no exception, as returnees include Michael Repper, a Grammy Award-winning conductor, Nicolas Dautricourt, esteemed violinist, and David Cohen, the newly appointed principal cellist of the London Symphony Orchestra.
New faces also add to the festival's allure. Siwo Kim, artistic director of the VIVO Music Festival in Columbus, Ohio, first graced the SICMF stage in 2019, while Anna Vasilyeva from St Petersburg joined last year. This year's notable inclusion is Maya Bogdanocić, who will perform Saint-Saëns' first cello concerto with the Festival Concert Orchestra. Critics have hailed her latest CD of the work as a 'dazzling and unique performance.'
Michael Repper
Image: Tiffany
Further enhancing the vibrancy of the festival, Andrey Baranov, 2012 Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition winner, will return, alongside Dwight Parry, who thrilled audiences with the world premiere of Connesson's new oboe concerto. Students and patrons will also be treated to performances by YaoGuang Zhai, principal clarinetist of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and acclaimed flautist Ekaterina Kornishina, who returns after challenging audiences with her enthralling rendition of Schubert's 'Trockne Blumen' last year.
Joining this year's incredible faculty are violinist Daniel Austrich, viola player Dana Zemtsova, and double bass artist Zoran Marković, already celebrated in his native Slovenia and beyond. South African-born Ian Watson, a graduate of Stellenbosch University and participant in the inaugural SICMF, is now recognised as a leading orchestral player in the UK. Meanwhile, renowned bassoon virtuoso Bram van Sambeek will be featured in Nino Rota's colourful bassoon concerto.
Dwight Parry
Image: Dwight Parry
Lastly, maestro Antony Hermus will debut at the festival, conducting the Festival Symphony Orchestra. As a prominent figure in Dutch music, Hermus brings a wealth of experience, directing major orchestras, including the Royal Concertgebouw and the Rotterdam Philharmonic.
The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival continues to create a vibrant platform for both emerging and established artists, ensuring an exhilarating experience for all those who attend. With its impressive roster of returning and new talents, the 2025 festival is bound to be a memorable celebration of exquisite music.
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