Celebrating Excellence: The FMR Bursary Trust Music Awards Finalists Announced!
- Charlene Bekker
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Cape Town’s beloved Baxter Theatre will soon come alive with the sound of South Africa’s most promising young musicians, as the 2025 FMR Bursary Trust Music Awards prepare to showcase their finalists.
With free entrance and evenings dedicated to Classical, Jazz, and African music brilliance, music lovers are in for a rare treat. Mark your calendars for 29 July and 1 August, two nights that promise to resonate long after the final note has been played.
The Future of Classical Music Shines Bright
There’s something timeless and deeply moving about classical music, and the finalists in the 2025 Classical Instrumental and Vocal categories prove that the genre is in good hands. The evening of 29 July will feature a beautifully curated performance at 6:30 pm in the Baxter Concert Hall.
Representing both the University of Stellenbosch and the South African College of Music (SACM), instrumentalists Ethan Lawson (Cello), Dané van Graan (Piano), and Kyra Adams (Marimba) will each bring their unique artistry to the stage.
In the Classical Vocal division, Matome Daniel Pheeha from North West University takes the stage as a commanding Bass-Baritone, while sopranos Carmen Traut and Dineo Bokala, both from SACM, will enchant the audience with their vocal finesse. This evening isn’t just a competition, it’s a showcase of the depth, discipline, and dedication it takes to master the classical form.
African Music: Rhythm of Our Heritage
On 1 August, the Baxter Theatre will once again open its doors at 6:30 pm, this time to celebrate the rich and vibrant legacy of African music. The African Instrumental and Vocal section features an exciting lineup of performers who blend traditional sounds with modern interpretation.
Nare Sebola, Natasha Ramncwana, and Siviwe Nomkala , all representing SACM , will present captivating pieces using traditional African instruments such as the Uhadi, Nyunganyunga, and Mbira, accompanied by expressive vocals.
These performances honour ancestral musical forms while breathing new life into heritage. It's a rare opportunity to witness ancient African instruments in a contemporary academic context, performed by artists who understand both their cultural weight and artistic value.
Jazz: Soulful Expression Takes Center Stage
Few genres offer the improvisational flair and emotional depth of jazz, and the FMR finalists for the Jazz category are ready to captivate with every note.
Also performing on 1 August, this group of young performers from SACM bring a refreshing energy to the stage. Sarah Pengilly (vocal), Jason Marshall (piano), and Cole Krieling (guitar) represent the future of South African jazz, a genre deeply rooted in our country’s political, cultural, and creative evolution.
Their performances promise not only technical skill but also storytelling, jazz, after all, speaks with feeling as much as with form. Whether through a soaring vocal line or a free-spirited guitar solo, this trio embodies the very heart of what jazz is: fearless, fluid, and profoundly human.
Supporting the Artists of Tomorrow
The FMR Bursary Trust Music Awards are more than a competition, they are a platform for South Africa’s young talent to receive recognition, encouragement, and much-needed financial support as they pursue careers in music.
Sponsored by the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation in collaboration with the South African College of Music and the Cape Town Concert Series, the awards reflect a shared belief in the transformative power of the arts.
In a world where arts education is often underfunded, these awards not only acknowledge excellence but also make a tangible impact. The opportunity to perform at the Baxter Theatre is a defining moment for many of these students, and one that helps shape their artistic identity on a national platform.
Free, Powerful, and Unmissable
What makes these evenings even more special is that they are entirely free to attend. Anyone passionate about the arts, education, or youth empowerment is invited to come and experience the musical journey of these outstanding finalists. Each performer brings more than just talent , they bring stories, dreams, and the promise of a bright musical future.
So whether you're a die-hard classical fan, a jazz aficionado, or a proud supporter of African cultural expression, there’s something here for you. Come and be moved. Come and be inspired.
Save the Dates:
Classical Instrumental & Vocal Finals
📍 29 July 2025
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 Baxter Concert Hall
Jazz & African Instrumental & Vocal Finals
📍 1 August 2025
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 Baxter Concert Hall
Entry: FREE
For more info:
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