UNISA NATIONAL STRING COMPETITION

Young Durban violinist Jacqueline Wedderburn-Maxwell to compete against 13 of the best young SA violinists and cellists.

Highly talented 16 year-old Jacqueline Wedderburn-Maxwell, who already has carved an impressive career for herself, will compete against a formidable line-up of twelve of the best young South African violinists and cellists in the 2nd Unisa National String Competition. Sponsored by Vodacom, it will be held in Tshwane from June 26 to July 3, 2009.

Also taking part in the competition will be 21 year-old Avigail Bushakovitz who has appeared in Durban on several occasions in recitals for Friends of Music.

Dot Field, Chief Communications Officer, Vodacom Group, says: “These young musicians represent the crème de la crème of young South African musical talent in this genre. We are delighted to once again be the sponsor of this prestigious competition which gives the competitors first-hand experience of the rigorous requirements of an international music competition.”

Their performances over the week will be evaluated and adjudicated by five of South Africa’s top musicians. They are Shadrack Bokaba, Denise Sutton, Kutlwano Masote, Anmari van der Westhuizen and the artistic director of the competition, John Roos.

Sponsored by Vodacom, the first prize offers R50,000; with second and third prizes at R35,000 and R20,000 respectively.

The first three rounds will take place in the Unisa Conference Hall, Sunnyside Campus on June 26, 28 and 30 while the final round will be held in the ZK Matthews Great Hall on July 3 on the Unisa Main Campus. The three finalists will perform as soloists in violin and/or cello concertos with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Arjan Tien, also well-known to Durban audiences.

The three prize winners will be allowed to compete in the 5th Unisa International String Competition scheduled from January 22 to February 5, 2010. More information is available from the Unisa Music Foundation at 012 429 3344/3336.