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.

2026 Competition details

CLOSING DATE: Please complete the online entry form, pay the entry fee and submit a link to your prelim round recording before Monday 15 June 2026.

(You will be informed by 30 June if you are selected to take part in the 2026 Competition.)

SEMI-FINAL ROUND: Monday 7 September 2026, Baxter Concert Hall, from 10am onwards (University Category)

Wednesday 9 September 2026, Baxter Concert Hall, from 10am onwards (High School Category)

FINAL ROUND: Friday 11 September 2026, Baxter Concert Hall, 6pm

Entrance requirements 

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

HOW TO ENTER:

Step 1 - complete the online entry form (below)

Step 2 - pay the R100 entry fee (details below)

Step 3 - email the link of your video recording to concerts@uct.ac.za before Monday 15 June.

REPERTOIRE GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES:

• 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 (electronic pdfs) must be provided for the panel and should be emailed to the Competition Organiser, Fiona Grayer on concerts@uct.ac.za before 17 August.

GENERAL:

• Accompanists: Competitors are kindly asked to provide their own accompanist. If you do not have an accompanist in Cape Town, the competition organisers will be happy to recommend two pianists from whom you may choose. Please note that any accompanist fees are the responsibility of the competitor.

• 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.

ENTRY FEE:

R100 is payable in cash or via EFT to Fiona Grayer before Monday 15 June 2026.

Banking details:

Cape Chamber Music Collective

Nedbank current account

Account number: 1220795836

Reference: Your initials and surname

Prizes totalling R135 000 include:

STUDENT PRIZES

R40 000 Overall Winner

R20 000 Runners Up

R10 000 Best semifinalist not in the finals  

R 5 000 Best Performance of a South African Work

SCHOLAR PRIZES

R15 000 Overall Winner

R10 000 Runners Up

R 5 000 Best Performance of a South African Work