Young Artists Concert: Cello and Piano Recital
Sun May 22, 15:00 - Sun May 22, 17:00
Old Nectar Gardens, Jonkershoek
ABOUT
Young Artists Concert: Cello and Piano Recital
Lauren Wesley-Smith (cello), Alexandra Beaven (piano), Gretna Heyneke (violin)
Cellist, Lauren Wesley-Smith and pianist Alexandra Beaven performed together throughout their undergraduate degrees at Stellenbosch University, and are joining forces once again with a diverse programme, from Baroque to Tango, featuring favourites of the piano-cello repertoire. Both Lauren and Alex are hoping to pursue further postgraduate studies in London and proceeds from ticket sales will go towards funding their education.
Lauren Wesley-Smith graduated from Stellenbosch University with BMus cum laude in 2019, studying with Babette Roosenschoon and Dr Peter Martens, attaining 36 distinctions throughout the course of her studies. During her studies she was the recipient of 7 bursary awards, including the Graham Beck First Year’s Scholarship, the runner-up for the 2019 Edna Elphick award, and performed as soloist with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra for their Youth Concerto Festival. As of 2022, she has become an Instrumental Ambassador for the Benedetti Foundation, a music education initiative founded by Grammy award-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti. Lauren has been offered a full scholarship to pursue her postgraduate professional diploma at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London, in September 2022 and is currently fundraising to cover the remaining costs.
Alexandra Beaven recently completed her MMus degree, specialising in piano accompaniment under Prof Nina Schumann, in addition to working as an Assistant Lecturer to the piano department. In 2019, Alexandra became the first ever piano accompanist to win the Mabel Quick Instrumental Bursary Competition, in addition to receiving the Betsie Cluver Scholarship award for the overall best achievement in piano as a principal instrument. Other bursary awards for academic and practical achievements include bursaries from both the National Arts Council, (2020 and 2021) and the Myra Chapman trust (2020). Alexandra was accepted for the Master of Arts program at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and will begin studies abroad in September 2022.
Lauren and Alex are also joined by violinist Gretna Heyneke, who is currently pursuing an MMus at Stellenbosch University with Dr Suzanne Martens.
The concert on Sunday 22 May 2022 starts at 3pm and will last approximately 2 hours. Tickets are R200 per person and include selected wines from Banhoek’s renowned Oldenburg Wine Estate and finger food at interval. Student / learner tickets are offered at R50 per concert at the door. Guests are invited to come early or stay after the concert to enjoy the tranquility of the Old Nectar gardens.