A Premier Cultural Anchor Event in Gauteng
The Roedean Music Competition has firmly established itself as one of Gauteng’s premier cultural events on the school calendar, continuing to shape and celebrate young musical excellence across the province. Now in its 23rd year, the competition stands as a testament to consistency, prestige, and the enduring success of a platform dedicated to nurturing and showcasing exceptional young talent.
Over more than two decades, the competition has grown significantly in both stature and participation. This year once again reflects the strong appetite students have for the arts, with impressive entries received across all categories and age groups. Notably, many participants return year after year, from Grade 8 through to Matric, highlighting the value, credibility, and developmental impact the competition holds within both the educational and music landscape. This sustained participation speaks to the reputation of the Roedean Music Competition as far more than a school event. It has become a respected platform where young musicians are challenged, refined, and recognised at a high level of excellence.
The competition process itself reflects the calibre expected of participants. Entrants undergo a rigorous vetting and adjudication process from the initial rounds through to the final stages, culminating in the prestigious Gala Event. Reaching the gala stage is an achievement in itself and reflects the dedication, discipline, and artistry required to stand among the country’s finest young musicians. At the Gala Event, finalists compete for first, second, and third place following adjudication by an esteemed panel of judges. Beyond the monetary prizes awarded, the competition recognises the countless hours of preparation, perseverance, and artistic commitment required to perform at this level.
Central to the competition’s longstanding success is Marius Brink, Director of Music at Roedean School (SA), whose contribution to music education and artistic development within the school has been instrumental. Brink continues to play a significant role in positioning music as an integral part of the school’s cultural identity while driving the continued growth and evolution of the Roedean Music Competition into the respected platform it is today.
This year’s competition once again features a broad range of categories, including Piano, Strings, Woodwind, Brass, and Vocal disciplines. The diversity of categories ensures inclusivity and accessibility across musical interests, training backgrounds, and performance styles, while reinforcing the competition’s commitment to celebrating the richness and diversity of musical expression among young performers.
Roedean is equally proud to present an exceptional panel of adjudicators for this year’s competition, bringing together some of South Africa’s most respected figures in music performance, education, conducting, and adjudication.
Esteemed Judges Panel
Malcolm Nay is one of South Africa’s leading solo and chamber pianists, with a distinguished career spanning performances locally and abroad. He has appeared as a soloist with South Africa’s major orchestras and has performed at venues including the Baxter Theatre, the Wits Atrium, and the University of Johannesburg Arts Gencor Gallery. He premiered Pendulum for piano and orchestra by Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph and directed Mozart concertos from the keyboard with the Chamber Orchestra of South Africa.
Christiaan Herbst is an accomplished trumpeter, conductor, and Director of Music with extensive experience performing alongside some of South Africa’s leading orchestras and ensembles. With a strong background in adjudication and conducting, he brings considerable expertise in brass performance, orchestral music, and music education to this year’s competition.
Carel Henn is one of Gauteng’s most respected cellists, conductors, and adjudicators, with more than 30 years of orchestral and solo performance experience. An award-winning recording artist and seasoned competition judge, he is recognised for his contributions to classical music performance, conducting, and music development both locally and internationally.
Hanli Stapela is an acclaimed lyric soprano, academic, and Chair of the Department of Music at the University of Pretoria. With an internationally celebrated performance career spanning opera, orchestral works, and vocal studies, she continues to shape the next generation of classical vocal talent through her academic leadership and teaching.
Tim Roberts is a distinguished conductor, oboist, and Artistic Director with extensive experience across opera, ballet, orchestral, and choral music. Passionate about music accessibility and education, he has played a significant role in developing young musicians and leading major productions both locally and abroad.
Together, this distinguished panel reflects the prestige and calibre of the Roedean Music Competition, reinforcing its reputation as one of Gauteng’s leading platforms for young musical excellence.
