A talented young pianist from Parow, Qden Blaauw and Arts Capital, a non-profit organisation, have united to create a project that is aimed at generating interest in classical music among young South Africans.
Blaauw, who is 14 years old, has won multiple awards for his talent in music and as a pianist. In 2016 he won the Samro Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition and in 2018 he won third place in the Hennie Joubert Piano Competition, and second place in the National Youth Music Competition.
As he was selected as one of 10 of the 500 applicants to the Allianz Junior Music Camp in Poland, Blaauw’s talent stands out above the rest. At the camp, attendees were taught a master class by renowned Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang.
The project will consist of six young piano prodigies participating in a series of concerts and master classes in Cape Town in March and April. Blaauw aims to launch smilier initiatives like this one in the future as well.
Here is a list of the participating musicians:
1. Qden Blaauw aged 14 – Cape Town, South Africa
2. Carla Vazques, aged 10 – Spain
3.Enrico Czmorek aged 15 – Hungary
4.Lissy Hermelink aged 17 – Germany
5.Greta Libefaro aged 17 – Italy
6. Bartek Kokok aged 17 – Poland
Master classes will be hosted by Professor Wolfram Schmitt-Leonardy from Germany.
Considered one of the most remarkable recording pianists and pedagogues of his time, Schmitt-Leonardy is also regularly chief judge of major international piano competitions.
Event details:
The concerts will be available to attend by booking tickets here.
Each concert will be hosted at various venues in and around Cape Town. Tickets cost R140 per adult and R80 per child.
Date: February 27 – March 4, 2019.
Disadvantages youth will participate in the initiative free of charge in March, and thereafter the the focus will shift towards to discovering and developing new and young talent.
The Cape concerts will be held on March 1stat Reddam House College. Clara Anna Fontein Campus (19h00); on March 2nd at Welgemeend Cape Town at 1730; and on March 4th in the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch 15h00, as part of the annual Woordfees.
To support the project, contact Jana Hatting at [email protected]or visit the website www.wslcapetown.com
Picture: Eden Blaauw/Facebook