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Con brio climax was a happening affair

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After eight days of high-calibre performances, the third Unisa National Strings Competition culminated in a magnificent finale with the announcement of the winners of both the Classical and Jazz categories on 21 August 2021.

The competition took a slightly different approach this year with lockdown restrictions in force, and candidates had to adapt to performing to no audiences in Unisa’s first virtual music competition. The triumph of the event is a testament to the resilience, adaptability and willingness of Unisa to keep the music live throughout these trying times.

Prof Karéndra Devroop (Director: Unisa Music Foundation) (centre) with the winners of the third Unisa National Strings Competition: Jeffrey Armstrong (Classical) and Sean Sanby (Jazz)


The winners of the third Unisa National Strings Competition


Classical

  • 1st prize-winner R80 000 - Jeffrey Armstrong
  • 2nd prize-winner R50 000 - Thapelo Masita

Classical: 1st prize-winner Jeffrey Armstrong and 2nd prize-winner Thapelo Masita

Special prize-winners:
  • Best performance of a Baroque work in the first round (Classical): R4 000 - Jonathan Mayer
  • Best performance of a Sonata in the second round (Classical): R4 000 - Tesmarie Jansen van Vuuren
  • The most promising semi-finalist in the Classical category who did not go through to the final round, as voted for by the Shadow Jury. Sponsored by the James Verwey Memorial Trust: R8 000 - Jonathan Mayer


Jazz

  • 1st prize-winner R80 000 - Sean Sanby
  • 2nd prize-winner R50 000 - Bethuel Tshoane

Jazz: 1st prize-winner Sean Sanby and 2nd prize-winner Bethuel Tshoane

Special prize-winners:
  • Best performance or an up-tempo jazz standard or Latin work in the first round (Jazz): R4 000 - Sean Sanby
  • Best performance of a jazz ballad or South African work in the second round (Jazz): R4 000 - Sean Sanby
  • The most promising semi-finalist in the Jazz category who did not go through to the final round, as voted for by the Shadow Jury. Sponsored by the Unisa Directorate of Music: R8 000 - Dalisu Ndlazi

Prof Karéndra Devroop, Director of the Unisa Music Foundation, said that they were indeed fortunate to have Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, physically attend the competition. "This speaks volumes about her support for the arts and Unisa’s commitment to nurture and support young South African musicians."

He added that the university was proud to host the third National Strings Competition, which for the first time in Unisa’s history had included a jazz category. "The level of musicianship in this competition has been extraordinary, making the task of the jury extremely difficult."

The two classical winners were both offered concerts with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. They will perform with the JPO on their Virtual Symphonic Season.

The two jazz finalists were offered featured performance slots at the 2022 Unisa Jazz Festival. They will also be featured with the Unisa Big Band.

* By Kgomotso Boshielo, Events Administrator, Music Foundation, and Sharon Farrell, Editor, Department of Institutional Advancement

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Publish date: 2021/08/25

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