Latest news with #StellenboschInternationalChamberMusicFestival
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Celebrating 20 years of music: the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival
Kevin Harris whose specially commissioned work 'RESONANCE' will receive its world premiere at SICMF Image: Robert Torres The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) is set to captivate audiences as it celebrates its 20th anniversary with an extraordinary line-up of concerts, masterclasses, and performances from 4 to 13 July at the US Konservatorium in Stellenbosch. Among the highlights of this prestigious festival is the world premiere of "RESONANCE," an original composition by acclaimed Boston-based jazz pianist Kevin Harris, scheduled for 8 July. Harris's piece is a contemporary symphonic reflection inspired by the words and actions of anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko, a titan of the Black Consciousness movement. Drawing from Biko's written works, Harris's composition offers a profound exploration of social justice, encouraging audiences to look beyond the surface into the stories of those often relegated to the shadows, encouraging audiences to look beyond the surface into the stories of those often relegated to the shadows. 'It's an invitation for audiences to reflect on those who suffer in the shadows while also upsetting those who comfortably benefit from status quo,' Harris explained. Kevin Harris who will pay homage to Steve Biko at the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF Image: Robert Torres Artistic Director Nina Schumann has consistently used the SICMF platform to spotlight anti-Apartheid voices, ensuring that legacies like Biko's remain alive in the public consciousness. This year's festival is no exception; Harris's world premiere continues a commendable tradition that has previously featured the works of revered activists and artists. The SICMF has become known for commissioning compositions that resonate deeply with South African history and culture. Past premieres include poignant tributes to figures such as Denis Goldberg and Johnny Clegg. The festival strives to weave historical narratives and music into an enlightening tapestry that educates and inspires future generations. This year, Kevin Harris will be accompanied by spoken word artist Namisa Mdlalose, with a rhythm section featuring Lumanyano Biza on drums and Stephen de Souza on bass. The piece will be conducted by Xandi van Dijk, with a faculty ensemble from SICMF contributing to the rich, hybrid musical experience that brings together classical and jazz traditions. Also a dedicated educator, Harris will host workshops focusing on contemporary improvisational methods for classical performers, aiming to bridge the gap between jazz and classical disciplines. His innovative approach has shown promising results, enabling musicians trained in the European classical tradition to explore their own improvisational creativity. "RESONANCE" benefits from the generous support of the Ernst von Siemens Foundation, which has also facilitated several unique premieres on the 2025 SICMF programme, ensuring ongoing growth and diversity within the chamber music landscape. As the festival unfolds in Stellenbosch, attendees can expect not just a celebration of music, but a meaningful engagement with the histories that shape our present.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
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 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 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.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival 2025: a celebration of 20 years of musical excellence
SCIFM 2024. Join the celebration of 20 years of musical excellence at the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival 2025 Image: Tiffany Schultz The much-anticipated programme for the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) 2025 has been unveiled, promising an exquisite blend of talent, artistry, and celebration of classical music. From 4 to 13 July, the Endler Hall will resonate with the sounds of both established composers and contemporary works, celebrating the festival's 20-year legacy. Kicking off the festivities, a unique alumni orchestra composed of past SICMF participants will perform a special pre-festival concert on Thursday, 3 July. This extraordinary ensemble, showcasing talents from the very first festival in 2004 to the present, will feature a programme highlighted by Mahler's powerful Fifth Symphony, a new piece by Matthijs van Dijk, and Gershwin's vibrant Concerto in F. Young South African conductor Jacobus de Jager will lead this celebration, with Ian Watson, a distinguished participant and sought-after musician in the UK, taking on the role of concertmaster. Joining them will be piano soloist Leo Gevisser, a Juilliard School graduate and former student of festival Artistic Director, Nina Schumann. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ SCIFM 2024 Image: Tiffany Schultz The following day, 4 July, the SICMF faculty concerts will kick off with an evening of reimagined Baroque music. Max Richter's ingenious adaptation of Vivaldi's Four Seasons will feature the virtuoso violinist Daniel Rowland. This performance promises to set an electrifying tone for the festival, culminating in a dazzling spectacle choreographed to Ravel's Bolero. Music lovers with a penchant for the classics can also look forward to works by Beethoven, Strauss, Shostakovich, Brahms, and Saint-Saëns. However, the SICMF has equally embraced contemporary compositions over the years, providing a platform for emerging talents. This year, audiences can experience works from celebrated composers such as Kapustin, Macky, and Widmann. A particular highlight will be the SICMF All-Stars rendition of AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' on 10 July, a nod to the festival's adventurous spirit. This year's featured composer, Kevin Harris, will unveil his commissioned piece 'RESONANCE' on 8 July. This contemporary symphonic reflection is inspired by the courageous writings of anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko, aiming to foster dialogue on societal progress through music. With a blend of improvised and written music, the performance will unite jazz and classical musicians, appealing to diverse audiences. Aside from evening concerts, the SICMF offers an educational component that sees musicians engage deeply with over 300 student participants. Every day at 13:00 and 17:00, student concerts will showcase the next generation of talent under the guidance of experienced faculty members, including regular festival stalwarts like Nicholas Dautricourt, Andrej Baranov, and Suzanne Martens. New artists joining this year include French hornist Jose Garcia Gutierrez, double bassist Zoran Markovic, bassoon virtuoso Bram van Sambeek, and the charismatic violist Daniel Austrich, enhancing the rich tapestry of talent at the festival. The grand finale will see the Festival Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the lively Dutch maestro Antony Hermus, perform Brahms' iconic First Symphony, along with works by Nino Rota and Ravel, featuring accomplished soloists Bram van Sambeek and Emanuil Ivanov. The Festival Concert Orchestra will also present captivating pieces by Bizet and Beethoven, led by Grammy award-winning conductor Michael Repper. As the SICMF gears up for its remarkable 20th edition, music lovers can expect an unparalleled celebration of artistry, innovation, and educational opportunities in a festival that truly encapsulates the spirit of collaboration and excellence.
