Latest news with #ArtscapeYouthJazzSeries
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Artscape Youth Jazz Series: honouring the legacy of 1976
Schools Jazz Band at Artscape last weekend Image: Ian Landsberg Youth Month is rooted in honouring the bravery and sacrifice of young South Africans who helped dismantle Apartheid — a legacy that continues to inspire. That same spirit pulsed through Artscape, where the spotlight shone not only on remembrance, but also on rhythm, mentorship, and the boundless promise of tomorrow. The iconic Cape Town arts centre came alive with new energy, as dozens of young musicians and creatives filled its spaces with song, storytelling, and purpose, honouring the legacy of the youth of 1976. At the heart of it all was the Artscape Youth Jazz Series (AYJ) — a vibrant celebration of talent, growth, and opportunity, backed by the Western Cape Education Department and committed partners. The excitement kicked off when the Youth Jazz Soloists Concert gave 14 handpicked musicians the chance to perform like professionals. For some, it was their first time under stage lights. For others, it was a significant step closer to a lifelong dream. The line-up included vocalists like Sarah Pengilly, Caleb Meyer, and Adrea Martinez, who were joined by pianists Bruce Basson and Kyle Damons, guitarists Cole Krieling and Daniel Roux, and a host of other promising talents — from teenage trumpeters to 20-something drummers. Each had spent a month learning from some of South Africa's most respected jazz musicians. And it showed. Their setlists blended original compositions with classics by South African jazz greats like Sibongile Khumalo, Bokani Dyer, Zoe Modiga, Nomfundo Xaluva, and the late Alvin Dyers, telling a story of love, culture, and identity told through melody. Professor Amanda Tiffin, Head of Jazz Studies at UCT and director of the Soloist's Showcase, spoke to the heart of the programme: Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux with the CCFM team Image: Ian Landsberg 'AYJ has been a launchpad for many young artists who were considering music as a career option. The programme provides the participants with an insider's experience of a professional production, and the close interactions with experienced professionals as mentors has often cemented a young person's decision to pursue music further.' The celebration continued when the School Jazz Bands Concert brought 11 diverse bands to the stage — including ensembles from Bergvliet High, South Peninsula High, Christel House, Cedar High, Belhar High, and more. The concert was guided by the Western Cape Education Department's Music Directorate. This year's AYJ was dedicated to two giants of the South African jazz scene — the late Alvin Dyers, one of the festival's earliest mentors, and Rashid Lombard, founder of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. The Artscape also hosted the 4th Annual CCFM Career Expo, which saw hundreds of young people engaging with over 60 exhibitors — from SAPS and engineering to accounting and beauty therapy. And in another wing of the building, the Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP), run with the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), wrapped up with a heartfelt graduation ceremony. Artscape CEO Dr Marlene le Roux reflected on the depth of the weekend's impact: 'Youth Day and Youth Month are more than just a slogan for us at Artscape and our partners. We engage with youth all year round providing a safe space where the youth can engage with other young people to continue strengthening our democracy which the youth of 1976 fought for 50 years ago: for equal education for all. 'Youth Day cannot be about slogans. We owe it to the youth of 1976 who died so that the youth of today can lead meaningful lives and reach their full potential, eradicating poverty while embracing humanity. Therefore, we implement the constitution through the arts, creating opportunities for relevant skills transfer and opening doors to the youth of today all year round, not just during Youth Month.'
IOL News
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Celebrating 22 Years of the Youth Jazz Series at Artscape
LAUNCHED in 2003, the Youth Jazz Series has evolved in numerous forms, passing through the hands of Cape Town's music legends who have shaped the careers of countless young musicians. Image: Supplied MARKING the 22nd rendition of one of Artscape's annual flagship projects, the Youth Jazz Series will be presented over a two-day masterpiece showcase featuring the Youth Jazz soloists and School Jazz Bands. The latter were selected by Keith Tabisher of the Western Cape Education Department. This year's project, directed by Head of Jazz Studies, UCT Associate Professor, vocalist and pianist Amanda Tiffin, encompassed Masterclass programmes where the young musicians learnt from those experienced in the industry. This year's selected participants comprise 14 young musicians who were auditioned to be part of the 2025 programme. They are: Andrea Martinez (vocals), Caleb Meyer (vocals), Sarah Pengilly (vocals), Cole Krieling (guitar), Dillon Poggepoel (bass), Micaela Hannibal (bass), Caleb Dlamini (piano), Aviwe Macutwana (trombone), Franco Von Wieligh (tenor saxophone), Zakhiel Davids (trumpet), Daniel Roux (guitar), Bruce Basson (piano), Kyle Damons (piano) and Ezra Smuts (drums). This year, the programme received a significantly higher number of applications - more than 50% - compared to 2024. Tiffin has been associated with the project for 11 years, and has been directing the Youth soloists showcase portion of the Artscape Youth Jazz Series since 2017. This year, to celebrate 22 years of mentoring young jazz musicians, Tiffin has invited six individuals, both past and debutants, as mentors. Some have participated in the programme more than once and have all gone on to establish themselves as highly successful professional musicians, award winning recording artists, touring performers, musical directors, and dedicated educators while others will be making their debuts, such as Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantyis (vocals), Mark Williams 2011 2012, 2014, 2025 (guitar), Marc De Kock (brass/sax), Brathew Van Schalkwyk 2017, 2025 (piano), Damian Kamineth 2017, 2021, 2025 (drums) and Chadleigh Gowar (bass). The mentors will also perform as a band, and bring their talent and expertise to the Artscape stage in what promises to be a very special and sparkling edition of the Youth Jazz Series. Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux said: 'It fills my heart with joy every year when we present this production that proffers the Youth a professional platform to showcase their mettle. Their talent often astounds me. Artscape remains proud that through this programme we have positively contributed to the growth their careers in the professional environment as the future of the Arts lies in youth development which we are very passionate about'. The project, made possible through the support of the City, launched in 2003, has gone through many different formats, and passed through the hands of some of Cape Town's top jazz professionals and music legends, who have mentored young aspiring jazz artists annually. It has also provided a major platform for young jazz musicians through mentorship, through the lasting connections made between young participants, and through the experience of performing on a major stage. The Youth Jazz Series features the Youth Jazz soloists on June 13 and the School Jazz Bands on June 14. Cape Times
