A triumphant finale: highlights from the 20th Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival

The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) has concluded its 20th edition with a resounding triumph, marked by the Festival Symphony Orchestra's electrifying encore of Shostakovich's Polka.

This spirited finale not only brought the audience to their feet but also produced the loudest applause ever recorded in the Endler Hall, encapsulating the festival's vibrant atmosphere and the transformative power of music. Over the course of ten exhilarating days, the SICMF showcased an extraordinary array of performances, uniting a richly diverse audience in a celebration of connection, creativity, and joy.

Dutch maestro Antony Hermus, conductor of the Festival Symphony Orchestra, expressed his delight at the festival's success. “This festival was a celebration of connection, creativity, and joy. Incredible music, brilliant people, Stellenbosch in full glory, and many extremely talented students with shining eyes all around. It has been an honour to be part of it,” he remarked. Hermus's words resonate with the festival's mission to foster a sense of community through music, as attendees from various backgrounds came together to experience the magic of live performances.

Throughout the festival, audiences were treated to a plethora of musical offerings, including seven faculty concerts, eight guest ensemble concerts, 12 additional student ensemble performances, three workshops, seven public master classes, eight “In Conversation with” lectures, and four symphony concerts. Each event contributed to an exhilarating atmosphere that echoed the energy of a pop concert, igniting a passion for music among attendees.

A particular highlight was the captivating performance by the SICMF Alumni Symphony Orchestra, which delivered a stunning display featuring some of the world’s most cherished symphonic compositions on the eve of the festival's opening. Audiences were mesmerised by a treasure trove of beloved works by Brahms, Ravel, Saint-Saëns, Shostakovich, and many others. This year, the festival also celebrated innovation with the world and South African premieres of eight new compositions, adding a fresh and daring dimension to this year's repertoire.

The assembly of talent at this year’s festival was remarkable, with 31 faculty members hailing from over 20 countries, alongside five guest artists, four assistant faculty members, eight invited student groups, and 287 student participants. These young musicians formed 92 chamber music groups and two large symphony orchestras, filling the air with a joyous musical cacophony and forging lifelong friendships in the process. The festival not only nurtured musical talent but also created a supportive environment where students could learn from world-class faculty and collaborate with their peers.

In addition to the musical performances, this year’s festival featured an artistic highlight – Gavin Rain’s nine square-metre artwork, crafted from 1,098 messages etched into metal circles, made its virtual debut. This monumental piece, angled to reflect the face of SICMF patron Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, was officially laid down by SICMF Director Peter Martens, Artistic Director Nina Schumann, and Rain himself during the final day of the festival. The artwork served as a poignant reminder of the festival's commitment to creativity and community engagement.

During its run, the SICMF sold an impressive 5,841 concert tickets and garnered an estimated 8,000 virtual attendees from nearly 90 countries, all eager to experience the livestreaming of 11 enlightening evening concerts. Maestro Michael Repper, who led the 152-piece Festival Concert Orchestra, reflected on his experience: “Leading the FCO in this milestone 20th year of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival was a true privilege.

The young musicians brought incredible passion and skill, and the world-class faculty created an atmosphere of inspiration and excellence. My deepest congratulations to Nina Schumann and Peter Martens for building something so meaningful and enduring—SICMF is a gift to the musical world.”

As the last echoes of the performances faded, patrons and festival-goers left the Konservatorium building, their hearts filled with a mix of joy and bittersweet sadness. With such an extraordinary celebration behind them, excitement brews over what awaits next year as the SICMF prepares to embark on its 21st journey into the world of chamber music. The festival's legacy continues to inspire and uplift, reminding us of the profound impact that music can have in uniting people across cultures and generations.