The Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra (SYO) will present an unforgettable afternoon of music at the serene St Matthew’s Chapel at Somerset College on Sunday (11 May) at 14:00.
The special concert is a fundraiser for the SYO’s first-ever tour to George later this year, an important milestone for the orchestra, which has grown rapidly since its founding in 2023.
What began as a social-impact project of the Stellenbosch University (SU) music department, led by Mario Nel and Pamela Kierman, has blossomed into a vibrant ensemble of 47 passionate young musicians under the dynamic leadership of conductor Reghardt Kühn.
Kühn, whose extensive experience includes conducting the SU Medical Orchestra and teaching brass at Paarl Boys’ High School, has been the driving force behind SYO’s growth and ambition.
“The goal is one day to play in The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, but for now we start small and build step-by-step to the future we want,” he said.
This spirit is captured in the orchestra’s motto, “The Sound of Tomorrow”.
Beyond its musical aspirations, the SYO is committed to youth development and community engagement. Students are deeply involved in the day-to-day running of the orchestra, helping to build leadership and organisational skills alongside their musical talents.
Since its inception, SYO has proudly hosted the annual “HearUs” concert at the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch, in support of Hear Us, an NPO that assists individuals with cochlear implants and supports the Cochlear Implant Unit at Tygerberg Hospital.
This partnership reflects SYO’s dedication to making a difference both on and off the stage.
After the concert on 11 May, the orchestra will also be part of in the Prestige Concert at Cape Town City Hall on Sunday 25 May at 15:00, sharing the stage with the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and others, in collaboration with the Choral Celebration Network Foundation.
Tickets for this prestigious event are available via Tixsa.
The SYO invites music lovers, families, and community members to support their journey by attending the concert at Somerset College and sharing in the magic of young South African talent. Tickets are available through Webtickets at R150 each.
For more information on the orchestra, follow the SYO on Facebook and Instagram, or send an email to stellenboschyouthorchestra@gmail.com.
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