Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival 2025: a celebration of 20 years of musical excellence

The much-anticipated programme for the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) 2025 has been unveiled, promising an exquisite blend of talent, artistry, and celebration of classical music. From 4 to 13 July, the Endler Hall will resonate with the sounds of both established composers and contemporary works, celebrating the festival's 20-year legacy.

Kicking off the festivities, a unique alumni orchestra composed of past SICMF participants will perform a special pre-festival concert on Thursday, 3 July. This extraordinary ensemble, showcasing talents from the very first festival in 2004 to the present, will feature a programme highlighted by Mahler's powerful Fifth Symphony, a new piece by Matthijs van Dijk, and Gershwin’s vibrant Concerto in F.

Young South African conductor Jacobus de Jager will lead this celebration, with Ian Watson, a distinguished participant and sought-after musician in the UK, taking on the role of concertmaster. Joining them will be piano soloist Leo Gevisser, a Juilliard School graduate and former student of festival Artistic Director, Nina Schumann.

The following day, 4 July, the SICMF faculty concerts will kick off with an evening of reimagined Baroque music. Max Richter's ingenious adaptation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons will feature the virtuoso violinist Daniel Rowland. This performance promises to set an electrifying tone for the festival, culminating in a dazzling spectacle choreographed to Ravel’s Bolero.

Music lovers with a penchant for the classics can also look forward to works by Beethoven, Strauss, Shostakovich, Brahms, and Saint-Saëns. However, the SICMF has equally embraced contemporary compositions over the years, providing a platform for emerging talents. This year, audiences can experience works from celebrated composers such as Kapustin, Macky, and Widmann. A particular highlight will be the SICMF All-Stars rendition of AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' on 10 July, a nod to the festival's adventurous spirit.

This year’s featured composer, Kevin Harris, will unveil his commissioned piece “RESONANCE” on 8 July. This contemporary symphonic reflection is inspired by the courageous writings of anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko, aiming to foster dialogue on societal progress through music. With a blend of improvised and written music, the performance will unite jazz and classical musicians, appealing to diverse audiences.

Aside from evening concerts, the SICMF offers an educational component that sees musicians engage deeply with over 300 student participants. Every day at 13:00 and 17:00, student concerts will showcase the next generation of talent under the guidance of experienced faculty members, including regular festival stalwarts like Nicholas Dautricourt, Andrej Baranov, and Suzanne Martens.

New artists joining this year include French hornist Jose Garcia Gutierrez, double bassist Zoran Markovic, bassoon virtuoso Bram van Sambeek, and the charismatic violist Daniel Austrich, enhancing the rich tapestry of talent at the festival.

The grand finale will see the Festival Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the lively Dutch maestro Antony Hermus, perform Brahms' iconic First Symphony, along with works by Nino Rota and Ravel, featuring accomplished soloists Bram van Sambeek and Emanuil Ivanov. The Festival Concert Orchestra will also present captivating pieces by Bizet and Beethoven, led by Grammy award-winning conductor Michael Repper.

As the SICMF gears up for its remarkable 20th edition, music lovers can expect an unparalleled celebration of artistry, innovation, and educational opportunities in a festival that truly encapsulates the spirit of collaboration and excellence.