All events are open to the public, and there is no registration required. For ticketed events, please follow the Webticket/Quicket links provided.
Monday 18 September
16:30-17:45 | Endler hall | Entry free | Lecture demonstration
Prof. Mario Nell
Overtones with undertones: Composing for organ in the 21st century
An overview of the instrumental uniqueness of the pipe organ and a discussion of 21st century compositional trends, reconsidering and transforming their historical, cultural and structural aspects rooted in Eurocentric frameworks. Various socio-cultural, educational and societal aspects will enter the discussion, aiming to interrogate legacies and to promote new, more relevant and inclusive perspectives.
18:00-19:15 | Behrens foyer | Entry free | Live performance
Dr Ncebakazi Mnukwana with students of the music department.
Guest artist: Dr Thokozani Mhlambi
Sonic explorations
A performance of indigenous and African music from south of the Sahara.
19:30-21:00 | Endler hall | R100/R80/R40/R10 | Live performance | Tickets available from Webtickets
Felicia Lesch with the SU Jazz Band
Rhythms of our Nation: A tribute to South African Jazz Composers
Join us for an enchanting evening as the Stellenbosch University Jazz Band, conducted by Felicia Lesch, celebrate the rich tapestry of South African Jazz. Experience the harmonies and rhythms that emanate from the streets of Cape Town, such as “Wesley Street” by Errol Dyers, “Anneke Tossouw,” by trumpeter Marcus Wyatt, and “Timeless”, a tribute to the late, great Ms Gloria Bosman. This concert is a musical journey through the works of renowned South African composers who have left an indelible mark on the landscape of jazz, showcasing their unique styles and contributions. From the vibrant streets of Cape Town to soulful melodies and swinging tunes, we invite you to experience the magic of South African Jazz. Vocal students Jodie Cedras and Nico Miso are also featured in this programme, which will be opened by noted Cape Town pianist Ramon Alexander playing some of his compositions.
Prof. Mario Nell
Overtones with undertones: Composing for organ in the 21st century
An overview of the instrumental uniqueness of the pipe organ and a discussion of 21st century compositional trends, reconsidering and transforming their historical, cultural and structural aspects rooted in Eurocentric frameworks. Various socio-cultural, educational and societal aspects will enter the discussion, aiming to interrogate legacies and to promote new, more relevant and inclusive perspectives.
18:00-19:15 | Behrens foyer | Entry free | Live performance
Dr Ncebakazi Mnukwana with students of the music department.
Guest artist: Dr Thokozani Mhlambi
Sonic explorations
A performance of indigenous and African music from south of the Sahara.
19:30-21:00 | Endler hall | R100/R80/R40/R10 | Live performance | Tickets available from Webtickets
Felicia Lesch with the SU Jazz Band
Rhythms of our Nation: A tribute to South African Jazz Composers
Join us for an enchanting evening as the Stellenbosch University Jazz Band, conducted by Felicia Lesch, celebrate the rich tapestry of South African Jazz. Experience the harmonies and rhythms that emanate from the streets of Cape Town, such as “Wesley Street” by Errol Dyers, “Anneke Tossouw,” by trumpeter Marcus Wyatt, and “Timeless”, a tribute to the late, great Ms Gloria Bosman. This concert is a musical journey through the works of renowned South African composers who have left an indelible mark on the landscape of jazz, showcasing their unique styles and contributions. From the vibrant streets of Cape Town to soulful melodies and swinging tunes, we invite you to experience the magic of South African Jazz. Vocal students Jodie Cedras and Nico Miso are also featured in this programme, which will be opened by noted Cape Town pianist Ramon Alexander playing some of his compositions.
Tuesday 19 September
13:10-14:00 | Behrens foyer | Entry free | Live performance
Undergraduate composition students
Undergraduate composers' laboratory
A unique perspective into the early developmental trajectories of young composers. This event showcases works in progress alongside informal discussions and workshopping. Audience members are also encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts.
16:30-17:45 | Fismer hall | R80/R40/R10 | Live performance | Tickets available from Webtickets
Lauren Dasappa, Lize Joubert
Melodic Reverberations: Love's Echo in New South African Harmonies
This concert embarks on an innovative journey, featuring diverse original compositions and arrangements that explore the uncharted territories of human sentiment. Through the melodies and harmonies of these newly established pieces, we delve into the enigmatic realms of loss, love, and the ethereal dance of hope. Our performance unites tradition and innovation, breathing life into emotions often left unspoken. Join us for a programme of unbridled musical creativity, where every note evokes a fresh emotion and every harmony resonates with the pulsating heartbeats of our collective experiences. Witness the birth of melodies that mirror the facets of our longing souls and celebrate the human spirit's eternal quest for connection and understanding.
18:00-19:15 | Jannasch hall | Entry free | Installation Performance
Annemie du Plessis
Shadow Voices: a sonic exploration of schizophrenia
This installation event intends to create awareness about Schizophrenia and decrease the associated stigmas. An artistic interpretation of a fictional character, Raymond, incorporates a collection of individual experiences with schizophrenia symptomatology, and incorporates the poetry of Dan Hoeweler who writes about his personal experiences with schizophrenia. This installation was created in collaboration with music psychotherapist, Karin Meyer.
19:30-21:00 | Fismer hall | R150/R110/R50/R10 | Live performance | Tickets available from Webtickets
Maties Jazz Society, featuring Ramon Alexander
Celebrating US
The Maties Jazz Society presents a homebrewed program of South African Jazz and originals. To kick it up a notch the loose collective is also bringing on their mentor, and Cape Jazz legend, Ramon Alexander to feature.
Undergraduate composition students
Undergraduate composers' laboratory
A unique perspective into the early developmental trajectories of young composers. This event showcases works in progress alongside informal discussions and workshopping. Audience members are also encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts.
16:30-17:45 | Fismer hall | R80/R40/R10 | Live performance | Tickets available from Webtickets
Lauren Dasappa, Lize Joubert
Melodic Reverberations: Love's Echo in New South African Harmonies
This concert embarks on an innovative journey, featuring diverse original compositions and arrangements that explore the uncharted territories of human sentiment. Through the melodies and harmonies of these newly established pieces, we delve into the enigmatic realms of loss, love, and the ethereal dance of hope. Our performance unites tradition and innovation, breathing life into emotions often left unspoken. Join us for a programme of unbridled musical creativity, where every note evokes a fresh emotion and every harmony resonates with the pulsating heartbeats of our collective experiences. Witness the birth of melodies that mirror the facets of our longing souls and celebrate the human spirit's eternal quest for connection and understanding.
18:00-19:15 | Jannasch hall | Entry free | Installation Performance
Annemie du Plessis
Shadow Voices: a sonic exploration of schizophrenia
This installation event intends to create awareness about Schizophrenia and decrease the associated stigmas. An artistic interpretation of a fictional character, Raymond, incorporates a collection of individual experiences with schizophrenia symptomatology, and incorporates the poetry of Dan Hoeweler who writes about his personal experiences with schizophrenia. This installation was created in collaboration with music psychotherapist, Karin Meyer.
19:30-21:00 | Fismer hall | R150/R110/R50/R10 | Live performance | Tickets available from Webtickets
Maties Jazz Society, featuring Ramon Alexander
Celebrating US
The Maties Jazz Society presents a homebrewed program of South African Jazz and originals. To kick it up a notch the loose collective is also bringing on their mentor, and Cape Jazz legend, Ramon Alexander to feature.
Wednesday 20 September
13:10-14:00 | Endler hall | Entry free | Live performance
Lunathi Ncamini, students of the SU music department
Open performance class: South African and contemporary music
Students of the SU department of music present an open performance class featuring South African and contemporary works for various instrumental combinations.
16:30-17:45 | Jannasch hall | Entry free | Lecture demonstration
Liam Burden
The saxophone compositions of Arthur Feder
This lecture demonstration will give a brief overview of the saxophone compositions of Arthur Feder. Three works spanning more than a decade will be performed and the process and collaboration between Feder and the saxophonist Liam Burden will be discussed.
19:00-late! | Behrens foyer | R50/R10 | Live performance WITH OPEN MIC | Tickets available from Webtickets
Shaun Johannes, The Ploemies
Jazz jam session and picnic-in-the-foyer, featuring The Ploemies
Join us for a Jazz Jam Session starring the extraordinary talents of Shaun Johannes and The Ploemies. This is an open mic event where YOU are welcomed to join the music making, or you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of some of the best Jazz that Cape Town has to offer. Bring your instruments, share your passion, and become part of the musical magic alongside these seasoned pros. This chilled session takes place in the Behren's Foyer, and you are invited to pack a picnic basket, a bottle of wine, and a blanket to enjoy some good music with your friends.
Lunathi Ncamini, students of the SU music department
Open performance class: South African and contemporary music
Students of the SU department of music present an open performance class featuring South African and contemporary works for various instrumental combinations.
16:30-17:45 | Jannasch hall | Entry free | Lecture demonstration
Liam Burden
The saxophone compositions of Arthur Feder
This lecture demonstration will give a brief overview of the saxophone compositions of Arthur Feder. Three works spanning more than a decade will be performed and the process and collaboration between Feder and the saxophonist Liam Burden will be discussed.
19:00-late! | Behrens foyer | R50/R10 | Live performance WITH OPEN MIC | Tickets available from Webtickets
Shaun Johannes, The Ploemies
Jazz jam session and picnic-in-the-foyer, featuring The Ploemies
Join us for a Jazz Jam Session starring the extraordinary talents of Shaun Johannes and The Ploemies. This is an open mic event where YOU are welcomed to join the music making, or you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of some of the best Jazz that Cape Town has to offer. Bring your instruments, share your passion, and become part of the musical magic alongside these seasoned pros. This chilled session takes place in the Behren's Foyer, and you are invited to pack a picnic basket, a bottle of wine, and a blanket to enjoy some good music with your friends.
Thursday 21 September
13:10-14:00 | Endler hall | Entry free | Live performance
Suzanne Martens with the SU String Ensemble
Fagan: Suite for Strings
Gideon Fagan (1904-1980) was a prominent South African composer, perhaps best known for his orchestral tone poem "Karoo Simfonie". In this concert, the SU String Ensemble presents the world premiere of his Suite for Strings (completed in 1974).
16:30-17:45 | Fismer hall & Behrens foyer | R50/R10 | Live performance/Installation | Tickets available from Webtickets
ft Liam Jaftha, Faiyal, spityellow! and co.
silent Rage, digital Noise
An exploration of sound as reactive to the imposition of aesthetic ideals present in a Conservatorium. It is a sonic confrontation of the material conditions inhabitants of the environment face. Through referencing digital archives in which students anonymously deposit confessions (excess energy) we find a myriad of experiences, thoughts and revelations.
18:00-19:15 | Behrens foyer | Entry free | Panel discussion
Annien Shaw, Babette Roosenschoon, Antoni Schonken, Arthur Feder
Launch Discussion: Flat Mountain Publishers
The past decade has seen an explosion in both diversity and quality of new music composed in South Africa. However, it is often challenging to create and sustain institutional access, bridge geographic and cultural divides, and foster a performance space that embraces new and local sound art. The Flat Mountain Project, together with Arthur Feder and Antoni Schonken, aim to address these challenges through their new publishing project: Flat Mountain Publishers.
19:30-21:00 | Endler hall | R80/R40/R10 | Live performance | Tickets available from Webtickets
Magdalene Minnaar, Janelle Visagie, Bongani Kubheka, Conroy Scott, Lusibalwethu Sesanti, José Dias
The Songmakers' Guild and South African Composers' Symposium Competition Finals
Five of South Africa’s top emerging and established composers will compete for R17 500 in prize money at the final round of the composition competition organised by the South African Composers' Symposium and The Songmakers' Guild. Composers born in 1983 or later were invited to submit a song, group of songs, or song cycle for either mezzo-soprano and piano or baritone and piano. The best of these works – chosen from 20 entries from composers across South Africa – will be heard at the concert, representing the future of South African art song composition.
Suzanne Martens with the SU String Ensemble
Fagan: Suite for Strings
Gideon Fagan (1904-1980) was a prominent South African composer, perhaps best known for his orchestral tone poem "Karoo Simfonie". In this concert, the SU String Ensemble presents the world premiere of his Suite for Strings (completed in 1974).
16:30-17:45 | Fismer hall & Behrens foyer | R50/R10 | Live performance/Installation | Tickets available from Webtickets
ft Liam Jaftha, Faiyal, spityellow! and co.
silent Rage, digital Noise
An exploration of sound as reactive to the imposition of aesthetic ideals present in a Conservatorium. It is a sonic confrontation of the material conditions inhabitants of the environment face. Through referencing digital archives in which students anonymously deposit confessions (excess energy) we find a myriad of experiences, thoughts and revelations.
18:00-19:15 | Behrens foyer | Entry free | Panel discussion
Annien Shaw, Babette Roosenschoon, Antoni Schonken, Arthur Feder
Launch Discussion: Flat Mountain Publishers
The past decade has seen an explosion in both diversity and quality of new music composed in South Africa. However, it is often challenging to create and sustain institutional access, bridge geographic and cultural divides, and foster a performance space that embraces new and local sound art. The Flat Mountain Project, together with Arthur Feder and Antoni Schonken, aim to address these challenges through their new publishing project: Flat Mountain Publishers.
19:30-21:00 | Endler hall | R80/R40/R10 | Live performance | Tickets available from Webtickets
Magdalene Minnaar, Janelle Visagie, Bongani Kubheka, Conroy Scott, Lusibalwethu Sesanti, José Dias
The Songmakers' Guild and South African Composers' Symposium Competition Finals
Five of South Africa’s top emerging and established composers will compete for R17 500 in prize money at the final round of the composition competition organised by the South African Composers' Symposium and The Songmakers' Guild. Composers born in 1983 or later were invited to submit a song, group of songs, or song cycle for either mezzo-soprano and piano or baritone and piano. The best of these works – chosen from 20 entries from composers across South Africa – will be heard at the concert, representing the future of South African art song composition.
Friday 22 September
13:10-14:00 | Behrens foyer | Entry free | Live performance
Postgraduate composition students
Postgraduate composers' laboratory
A unique perspective into the specialised developmental trajectories of young graduate composers. This event showcases works in progress, multimedia installation, and performance art, alongside informal discussions and workshopping. Audience members are also encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts.
16:30-17:45 | Endler hall | R80/R40/R10 | Live performance | Tickets available from Webtickets
Dizu Plaatjies (uhadi), Thandeka Mfinyongo (uhadi), Bronwen Clacherty (uhadi), Annien Shaw (violin), David Bester (violin), Remi Ludick (viola), Babette Roosenschoon (violoncello) and Mariechen Meyer (double bass).
South African Strings Foundation composition competition finals
The final round of the South African Strings Foundation Composers' Competition will be presented at 16h30 on 22 September in the Endler hall at the University of Stellenbosch as part of the South African Composers Symposium. This is a unique opportunity to experience and listen to five newly composed works for uhadi and string quintet by talented and emerging South African composers. The finalists for this competition are Natali Frenz, Njabulo Phungula, Chesney Palmer, Owen Dalton and Reece Rivalland. Each composer will receive the opportunity to workshop their composition with the ensemble before the concert. The adjudicators are Prof Hans Roosenschoon, Dr Ncebakazi Mnukwana and Matthijs van Dijk. After the concert there will be a short break followed by the award ceremony.
19:30-21:00 | Endler hall | R150/R50 | Live performance | Tickets available from Quicket
Cape Town Baroque with Annien Shaw and Ralitza Macheva (baroque violins), Rosamund Ender (viola da gamba), Caroline Walters (recorder), Emilio February (percussion), and Erik Dippenaar (virginals, harpsichord)
New music for old instruments
The 2023 Cape Town Baroque Festival, in collaboration with the South African Composers’ Symposium, presents an exciting programme of new music for baroque instruments. The programme includes sets of variations for baroque violin on baroque themes composed by Matthias Maute in 2021, a piece titled The Seige of Chester (1997) for virginals in a quarter comma meantone tuning by William Mival, and a work composed in 2007 for recorder and percussion by Australian composer Racheal Cogan. Two newly composed works by Arthur Feder and Antoni Schonken will form the centrepieces of this programme.
Visit the official Cape Town Baroque Festival website
Postgraduate composition students
Postgraduate composers' laboratory
A unique perspective into the specialised developmental trajectories of young graduate composers. This event showcases works in progress, multimedia installation, and performance art, alongside informal discussions and workshopping. Audience members are also encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts.
16:30-17:45 | Endler hall | R80/R40/R10 | Live performance | Tickets available from Webtickets
Dizu Plaatjies (uhadi), Thandeka Mfinyongo (uhadi), Bronwen Clacherty (uhadi), Annien Shaw (violin), David Bester (violin), Remi Ludick (viola), Babette Roosenschoon (violoncello) and Mariechen Meyer (double bass).
South African Strings Foundation composition competition finals
The final round of the South African Strings Foundation Composers' Competition will be presented at 16h30 on 22 September in the Endler hall at the University of Stellenbosch as part of the South African Composers Symposium. This is a unique opportunity to experience and listen to five newly composed works for uhadi and string quintet by talented and emerging South African composers. The finalists for this competition are Natali Frenz, Njabulo Phungula, Chesney Palmer, Owen Dalton and Reece Rivalland. Each composer will receive the opportunity to workshop their composition with the ensemble before the concert. The adjudicators are Prof Hans Roosenschoon, Dr Ncebakazi Mnukwana and Matthijs van Dijk. After the concert there will be a short break followed by the award ceremony.
19:30-21:00 | Endler hall | R150/R50 | Live performance | Tickets available from Quicket
Cape Town Baroque with Annien Shaw and Ralitza Macheva (baroque violins), Rosamund Ender (viola da gamba), Caroline Walters (recorder), Emilio February (percussion), and Erik Dippenaar (virginals, harpsichord)
New music for old instruments
The 2023 Cape Town Baroque Festival, in collaboration with the South African Composers’ Symposium, presents an exciting programme of new music for baroque instruments. The programme includes sets of variations for baroque violin on baroque themes composed by Matthias Maute in 2021, a piece titled The Seige of Chester (1997) for virginals in a quarter comma meantone tuning by William Mival, and a work composed in 2007 for recorder and percussion by Australian composer Racheal Cogan. Two newly composed works by Arthur Feder and Antoni Schonken will form the centrepieces of this programme.
Visit the official Cape Town Baroque Festival website
