The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival: A Platform for Young Musicians

The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) is a renowned event held in South Africa that attracts talented young musicians from across the world. The festival provides a platform for these musicians to immerse themselves in Chamber music and orchestral playing and hone their skills while gaining international recognition.

Education and Community Development

The SICMF has a unique approach to music education, with a dual focus on chamber music and orchestral playing. The festival brings together young musicians with diverse backgrounds and varying levels of training, providing them with a chance to interact and play alongside international students of exceptional caliber. The festival faculty comprises esteemed international and South African artists and chamber music experts who provide invaluable guidance to the participants.

Community development plays an integral role in the SICMF’s objectives. Selected music development programmes and music education centers are invited to send students to attend the festival. These learners are then mentored by both national and international music students throughout the duration of the event.

Equal Opportunities for All

The SICMF ensures equal treatment for all participants, regardless of their socio-economic background. Financial support in the form of full bursaries covering tuition, accommodation, food, and transport costs is provided to participants from previously disadvantaged communities and students in need. Participants are divided into chamber music groups based solely on their proficiency level.

The Upcoming Festival

The 18th edition of the SICMF is set to be held from 30 June to 9 July 2023. The festival will host around 240 participants aged between 12 and 28. The festival will showcase a faculty of 31 internationally acclaimed artists from the USA, Russia, Europe, and South Africa.

Festival Pass

The festival concerts promise extraordinary collaborations and world-class music performances in Stellenbosch. Attendees can purchase a Festival Pass, which offers a 20% discount on a full set of 10 tickets, either at the regular or student/pensioner price. Festival Pass holders also enjoy free entrance to public masterclasses, ‘In Conversation with’ lectures, and student concerts that would otherwise require an admission fee.

The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival provides a platform for young musicians to showcase their talents and gain international recognition. The festival’s unique approach to music education and community development has helped nurture the love for classical music and brought opportunities for further music studies. For more information, please visit the official website of SICMF.