Artscape’s Youth Jazz Series is set to mark its 23rd edition with a two-day showcase at the Artscape theatre, featuring youth jazz soloists on Friday 12 June and school jazz bands on Saturday 13 June.

Flagship project

The series, which launched in 2003, has grown into one of Artscape’s flagship annual projects, providing young musicians with a platform to perform on a major stage while receiving mentorship from seasoned professionals in the industry. This year’s school jazz bands were selected by Keith Tabisher and Hugo Smuts of the Western Cape Education Department.

The programme is directed by Amanda Tiffin, associate professor, vocalist, pianist and head of jazz studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Tiffin has been involved with the project for 12 years and has directed the youth soloists’ showcase since 2017. This year’s programme included masterclass sessions where young musicians learned from experienced industry figures.

Meet the class of 2026

Fifteen young musicians were auditioned to take part: Connor Johnson (piano) from Parow, Ethan Herman (drums) from Strandfontein, Eyo Nzazi (bass) from Belhar, Cole Krieling (guitar) from Maitland, Franco von Wieligh (saxophone) from Parklands, Henco Bester (saxophone) from Stellenbosch, Ryan Jacobs (bass) from Grassy Park, Sibabalwe Gobe-Gysman (vocals) from Stellenbosch, Hlelo Zungu (vocals) from Mowbray, Liam Petersen (drums) from Parow, Mackenzie Hendricks (vocals) from Parow, Michael de Goede (saxophone) from Rondebosch, Talicia Mariti (vocals) from Cape Town, Zakhiel Davids (trumpet) from Hout Bay and Kyle Damons (piano) from Stellenbosch.

The programme also recorded a significant surge in applications, with more than 90% more applicants compared to the previous year.

Mentors

To mark the 23-year milestone, Tiffin has invited six mentors, a mix of returning alumni and first-timers, all of whom have gone on to become award-winning recording artists, touring performers, musical directors and dedicated educators. They are Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantyis (vocals), Bradley Prince (guitar), Marc de Kock (brass/saxophone), Brathew van Schalkwyk (piano), Damian Kamineth (drums) and Chadleigh Gowar (bass). The mentors will also perform together as a band, promising what organisers describe as a “sparkling” edition of the series.

Contact Artscape Dial-a-seat on 021 421 7695 or visit www.artscape.co.za for tickets and information, including wheelchair and disability access requirements.

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