INTIMATE AND CONVERSATIONAL: THE STELLENBOSCH INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

To make things a bit more interesting for these professionals, all pieces that are performed are rehearsed only twice or occasionally; three times. One of the more intricate pieces performed this year was Taneyev’s Piano Quartet. Usually Taneyev’s Piano Quartet would need more time to be perfected, but considering one of the aims of the SICMF is not only to showcase the participants talent but also to develop their skills, this way of doing things is a great way to keep both the performers and audience entertained.

a faculty consisting of 17, and 100 student participants, today the SICMF can boast a faculty of 35, and 250 student participants.

This year marks the SICMF’s 20th festival which the festival’s director, Dr Peter Martans, describes as, “Somehow more relaxed than ever before. It was profoundly moving for participants, faculty and students alike.”

There’s nothing quite like the sound of music to bring people together. Whether your jam is Beethoven or Beyonce, we can all agree that we low-key love music.

The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) which took place from 30 June to 9

July at the Endler hall, is one such celebration of music, especially chamber music. Chamber music is characterised by its small sized ensemble which allows for a high degree of collaboration and communication between the musicians. This results in a more expressive and personal performance. The participants (consisting of representative student groups between the ages of 12 and 28) of the SICMF are divided into chamber music groups and assigned repertoire, receiving coaching from respected international and South African artists.