Sun Quintet

Melisizwe Plaatjie is a talented piano player from George, South Africa. As the first official jazz  student at the University of Stellenbosch, he is currently pursuing an advanced diploma  under the guidance of Ramon Alexander. Melisizwe's dedication and skill have earned him  recognition, including the Artscape Young Artist band award in 2021 and selection for the  National Youth Band in 2023. His performances are frequent and diverse, ranging from  collaborations with the Maties Jazz Society to the Sun Quintet, as well as captivating solo  piano showcases. Beyond his musical pursuits, Melisizwe strongly believes in the  transformative power of music, particularly for underprivileged youth. He envisions music as  a beacon of hope, capable of lifting individuals out of challenging circumstances. Melisizwe's  passion lies in education and outreach, using music to provide opportunities and inspire  positive change among young people. 

Dillon Cornelius, a bass player hailing from George, South Africa, is currently in his final year  of studying for a Diploma in Classical Guitar at Stellenbosch University. While his academic  focus lies in classical guitar, Dillon has always been drawn to jazz music. Active participation  in the Maties Jazz Society, the Sun Quintet, and various classical ensembles showcases his  versatility and commitment to his musical journey. However, it is on stage where Dillon truly  comes alive. The indescribable state he achieves during live performances is unparalleled,  igniting a passion and energy that captivates audiences. Though his primary focus is on  performance, Dillon continually seeks opportunities for personal and artistic growth. His deep  connection to music, nurtured by his upbringing and shared experiences with his friend  Melisizwe, drives him to excel and leave a lasting impact on the jazz landscape. 

Aubrey Matsila, a talented trombonist from Johannesburg, South Africa, discovered his  passion for the trombone during his high school years. He has since embarked on a  remarkable musical journey, collaborating with notable ensembles such as the Johannesburg  Youth Orchestra, Amandla Freedom Ensemble led by Mandla Mlangeni, and sharing the stage  with Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse. Aubrey's pursuit of his Bachelor's degree in Science at  Stellenbosch University hasn't deterred his musical ambitions, as he continues to contribute  his trombone skills to the SUN Quintet. For Aubrey, the music of South Africa holds a  profound authenticity and captivating power that he yearns to share with the world. It is a  reflection of his individuality and the diverse cultural backgrounds within his community. His  passion lies in using music as a medium to bridge cultural gaps, fostering understanding, and  presenting the rich musical heritage of South Africa to a global audience.

Stuart Martin is an advanced Diploma student of orchestral conducting at Stellenbosch  University and an aspiring jazz drummer from Paarl. With a diverse range of talents, he has  made significant achievements as a percussionist, conductor, and jazz drummer. Stuart's  impact is felt through his involvement in the Maties Jazz Society, where he plays a pivotal role  on the organizing committee. His performances have garnered attention at notable events  such as KKNK, KKnk klassique, USSWE, USSO, Artscape, Baxter Theater, Johnman concerts,  and more. Looking ahead, Stuart aims to establish his own orchestral and ensemble groups,  focusing on jazz and music education in the Western Cape. Through these initiatives, he  strives to create opportunities for young musicians and contribute to the growth of the jazz  community in the region. 

Mark Lynch, a Masters student at the Stellenbosch Konservatorium, specializes in jazz and  classical saxophone performance. He has excelled in competitions, participated in  masterclasses with renowned saxophonists, and contributed to the release of an album with  the New Voice Sextet. Mark's versatility is evident through his involvement in wind bands, big  bands, the Akimbo Saxophone duo, and various ensembles. He occasionally performs with  the Ramon Alexander Quartet and actively engages with the Maties Jazz Society. Mark's  passion lies in exploring the importance of versatility in the modern performing saxophonist,  utilizing his artistry to inspire others in embracing diverse musical genres and contexts.