Inspiring start to the year at Endler Concert Series
In the first season of the prestigious Endler Concert Series, held in the Endler Hall at the Stellenbosch University Konservatorium in Stellenbosch, audiences can look forward to renowned international artists, including virtuoso recitals by Dutch organist Minne Veldman and Russian pianist Roustem Saitkoulov, as well as a rich variety of chamber music, choral works, orchestral concerts and jazz—offering something for everyone to enjoy.
The season opens on Friday February 21, with acclaimed Dutch organist Minne Veldman, who will showcase his artistry on the magnificent Marcussen organ.
His programme features works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Franck, Widor, and his own composition on Now Thank We All Our God.
On Friday February 28, internationally celebrated pianist Roustem Saitkoulov presents an all-Chopin recital, featuring the evocative 24 Preludes, Op. 28, and the four masterful Ballades.
Trained at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, Saitkoulov is a prizewinner of some of the world’s most prestigious piano competitions, including the Monte-Carlo Piano Masters, Busoni, UNISA, Géza Anda, and Marguerite Long Competitions.
He has performed with leading orchestras, such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic, and Prague Symphony Orchestra, and has played in prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, and the Philharmonie de Paris.
Additionally, the SU Piano Division is honored to host Saitkoulov for a series of masterclasses, offering students and music enthusiasts an invaluable opportunity to engage with an artist of his exceptional calibre, on Thursday February 27.
March brings an exciting array of performances, beginning with Seasons of Life on Friday March 7 - a captivating programme of works for soprano, clarinet, and piano, performed by three exceptional musicians.
Janel Speelman is a celebrated South African soprano known for her expressive and captivating performances in both opera and art song, Annamarie Bam is a versatile clarinetist with a rich, lyrical sound, regularly performing as a soloist and chamber musician, and Albie van Schalkwyk is one of South Africa’s most distinguished collaborative pianists, renowned for his artistry in lieder, chamber music, and ensemble playing.
Their programme includes Schubert, Spohr, Ravel, and jazz-inspired compositions by Alec Templeton.
On Saturday March 15, the acclaimed Schola Cantorum, conducted by Martin Berger, will present a breathtaking choral and orchestral programme featuring Fauré’s Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, alongside Brahms’ Serenade No. 2.
The Stellenbosch University Symphony Orchestra (USSO) returns on Wednesday March 20, under the baton of guest conductor Chad Hendricks, who was appointed Music Director and conductor of the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in 2023, and Resident Conductor of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra since 2024.
USSO will be presenting a dynamic programme that features Rossini’s Barber of Seville Overture, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 with Pieter Grobler on piano, and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 “Italian”.
On Friday March 28, the Ramon Alexander Trio, featuring members of the Maties Jazz Society, will bring a vibrant jazz showcase to the Endler Hall, with new compositions inspired by Alexander’s recent projects and festival productions.
The Trio was recently nominated for a Fiesta Award for Best Musical Performance at Jazz at the Konserve at the Stellenbosch Woordfees 2024, further solidifying their place as one of South Africa’s top jazz ensembles.
According to the Stellenbosch University’s Department of Music Artistic Manger, Vicky Davis,the SU Konservatorium is thrilled to open the new season of the Endler Concert Series.
“This year we once again are bringing an exciting lineup of world-class performances to Stellenbosch. The Endler Concert Series remains committed to showcasing outstanding musicians, and we look forward to an inspiring 2025 season ahead.”
Tickets for concerts held in February to end of March have been opened at the box office and are now available at Webtickets.