The 47th Western Cape Youth Music Festival takes place on Saturday September 1, at the Artscape, at 7.30pm.
Twelve young classical music instrumentalists and singers will have the opportunity to perform on a professional stage with the Cape Town Philharmonic orchestra (CPO).
The soloists range in age from 20 to 25 years. Seven are currently studying at the SA College of Music at UCT and four at the University of Stellenbosch, except for pianist Eléna Monvoisin, 8, who is home-schooled.
The appeal of the works presented, as well as good variety in the overall programme content, played an important part in the final selection of these musicians. Much of the biggest repertoire and most exciting to listen to and perform is in the concerto field (instrument with orchestra) and opera field (voice and orchestra). The composers chosen by the soloists include David Popper, Louis Spohr, Murice Ravel, George Frideric Handel, Edward Elgar, Edvard Grieg, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Camille Saint-Saëns, Cecile Chaminade, Max Bruch, George Gershwin and Frédéric Chopin.
Brandon Phillips, resident conductor and principal bassoon of the CPO conducts the orchestra and spends time with each soloist preparing them for the concert.
Tickets cost R80 or R40 for pensioners and students under 18. There is a 10% discount for block bookings of 10 or more. Book through Artscape Dial-a-Seat on 021 421 7695 or Computicket.