UCT Strings Competition

About

The first UCT Strings Competition aims to give UCT students the best possible practical and professional experience towards their future careers. The competition aims to provide a nurturing atmosphere for young talent and strives to be recognised as a competition that promotes excellence in string instrument performance.

The first competition was held in 2022, initiated by UCT Head of Strings and Violin Associate Professor Farida Bacharova and UCT cello lecturer, Graham du Plessis.

Feedback from the first competition was overwhelmingly positive, culminating in the decision to make it an annual event. In 2024, the UCT Strings Competition, opened a high school category.

The UCT Strings Competition hopes to bring together communities to witness wonderful performances by gifted artists with a bright future ahead of them at the beginning of their careers. The finalists will perform a short recital programme consisting of 30 minutes of music at the Baxter Concert Hall.

2025 Competition details

CLOSING DATE: Please complete the online entry form before Friday 1 August 2025

PRELIMINARY ROUND: Tuesday 14 October 2025, Baxter Concert Hall, from 10am onwards

FINAL ROUND: Friday 17 October 2025, Baxter Concert Hall, 6pm

The competition is adjudicated by a panel of widely recognised and experienced professional musicians.

Entrance requirements

The South African College of Music hereby invites applications for the 4th UCT National Strings Competition.

Students must be below the age of 28 on the date of the competition.

General competition guidelines

Repeats are permitted but not mandatory.
Competitors may play with or without music, regardless of the repertoire.
In the semi-final round, orchestral tuttis may be cut.
Competitors are free to decide their performance order for each round, but those who do not abide by the time limits may be stopped by the jury.
Copies of sheet music must be provided for the panel and should be emailed to the Competition Organiser, Fiona Grayer on concerts@uct.ac.za before 30 September.
Provide own accompanist.
Accommodation and travel at the expense of the competitor.
Under 18s are to be accompanied by a parent / guardian.
The jury’s decision is final.
By entering, competitors agree that their performances may be recorded and that their images, names, and recordings may be used for promotional purposes.
The overall winner from the previous year’s competition may not enter in the following year.

Competition organisers

Associate Professor Farida Bacharova

Head of Strings, Assoc Prof Violin, Viola

Graham du Plessis

Cello

Associate Professor François du Toit

Deputy Director of SACM, Head of Classical Section, Head of Chamber Music, Assoc Prof Piano

Fiona Grayer

Concerts Co-ordinator

2024

Students

1st prize: Pieter Joubert, violin

Runners up: Ashlin Grobbelaar, cello; Micalea Arries, viola

Scholars

1st prize: Emma Steenkamp, violin

Runners up: Luke Stamer, cello; Bianke van Staden, violin

2023

1st prize: Nicholas Bruiners, violin

Runners up: Rebekah Beelders, violin; S’celo Chris Njapha, cello

2022

1st prize: Pieter Joubert, violin

Runners up: Ashlin Grobbelaar, cello; Nicola McLachlan, cello

Closed

2025 Prizes

Prizes totalling R85 000 include:

STUDENT PRIZES

R30 000 Overall Winner

R17 000 Runners Up

R8000 Jury Awards

R4000 Best Performance of a South African Work

SCHOLAR PRIZES

R12 000 Overall Winner

R8 000 Jury Awards

The winner of the scholar category will be offered a performance opportunity with the UCT Symphony Orchestra, a cash prize, and will be considered for a bursary to study at the South African College of Music.

2025 UCT Strings Competition (Students Entry Form)

Repertoire and guidelines (Student category)

PRE-SCREENING / VIDEO ROUND

Each competitor is to record two contrasting movements / pieces.
Works may be recorded with or without piano accompaniment.
Each video recording must be made from start to finish without cuts or edits.
Recordings can be submitted by 23 August in the form of an unlisted YouTube link.
Duration of pre-screening round music: Minimum length of performance 8 minutes; maximum length of performance 12 minutes.

SEMI-FINAL ROUND / ACCOMPANIED ROUND

Minimum of one UNACCOMPANIED piece.
Minimum of one ACCOMPANIED piece.
Maximum of four pieces / movements in total.
One Baroque/Classical piece or movement(s) of a pieces.
One, two, or three contrasting pieces or movements of pieces, one of which may be a movement from a concerto.
Duration of semi-final round music: Minimum length of performance 20 minutes; maximum length of performance 25 minutes.

FINAL ROUND

A recital programme: Minimum length of performance 25 minutes; maximum length of performance 30 minutes.
The programme can involve unaccompanied and accompanied pieces.
The final round takes the form of a public concert at the Baxter Concert Hall, on Friday 17 October 2025.

Closed

2025 UCT Strings Competition (Scholars Entry Form)

Repertoire and guidelines (Scholar category)

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENT: Minimum level of Grade 7 and above.

PRE-SCREENING / VIDEO ROUND

Each competitor is to record two contrasting movements / pieces.
Works may be recorded with or without piano accompaniment.
Each video recording must be made from start to finish without cuts or edits.
Recordings can be submitted by 23 August in the form of an unlisted YouTube link.
Duration of pre-screening round music: Minimum length of performance 8 minutes; maximum length of performance 12 minutes.

SEMI-FINAL ROUND / ACCOMPANIED ROUND

Maximum of four pieces / movements in total.
One Baroque/Classical piece or movement(s) of a pieces.
One, two, or three contrasting pieces or movements of pieces, one of which may be a movement from a concerto.
Duration of semi-final round music: Minimum length of performance 8 minutes; maximum length of performance 12 minutes.

FINAL ROUND

A movement of a concerto or concert piece written originally with orchestral accompaniment (the score needs to be readily accessible in South Africa).
A short contrasting accompanied or unaccompanied piece.
Duration of final round music: Minimum length of performance 15 minutes; maximum length of performance 20 minutes.
The final round takes the form of a public concert at the Baxter Concert Hall, on Friday 17 October 2025.

Closed

The competition is adjudicated by a panel of widely recognised and experienced professional musicians. Previous adjudicators have included: Bernhard Gueller, Francois du Toit, Petrus Coetzee, Johanna Roos.