Clarinettists shine in national and local competitions
Waldo Kotze (left), and Dietrich Laubscher have qualified for the Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition, which will take place in Stellenbosch from Tuesday, September 16th. Picture: Supplied
The Kimberley Academy of Music is celebrating its 30th anniversary in spectacular fashion, with two of its clarinettists, Dietrich Laubscher and Waldo Kotze, achieving significant musical milestones this year.
Both musicians, who are in the midst of preparing for their Grade 6 clarinet exams, have already played at the Grade 5 level and achieved exceptional results.
Laubscher was the youngest finalist in this year’s prestigious Yamaha competition held in Johannesburg. His success in this high-profile event has placed him on the map as a rising star in the South African music scene.
Both Laubscher and Kotze have been regulars on the local festival circuit, having participated in the MADD FEST, the Northern Cape Arts Festival, and the Con Spirito.
Their dedication and talent were recognised with top grades – A+, A++, and A+++ – for the pieces they performed, further establishing their reputation as exceptional young musicians.
Their music teacher, Louwrika van Niekerk, said that she is really proud of what her students have achieved so far, and she is looking forward to seeing how music will shape their future, and what they will further achieve going forward.
Adding to their impressive resumes, Laubscher and Kotze have qualified for the Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition, which will take place in Stellenbosch from September 16 to 20. The competition, which spans four rounds, will see 40 musicians from across the country battle it out for a coveted spot in the final top 10.
To this end, both musicians have been rigorously preparing a variety of pieces they will need to perform over the four-day event.
In addition to their solo achievements, Laubscher and Kotze are proud members of the Northern Cape Youth Symphony Orchestra, further honing their craft within an ensemble setting.
The Kimberley Academy of Music, now celebrating 30 years of nurturing local talent, can certainly be proud of Laubscher and Kotze as they continue to make their mark both locally and nationally.