PRINGLE PROMS PRESENTS: TWO PIANISTS, ONE STAGE — HERMANUS SCHMIDT & HEINRICH SUTTON

BRIAN BERKMAN'S PRINGLE PROMS PRESENTS: TWO PIANISTS, ONE STAGE — HERMANUS SCHMIDT & HEINRICH SUTTON

Brian Berkman’s Pringle Proms will present an extraordinary showcase of emerging South African talent on Saturday, August 1 at 12 noon, bringing together two of the country's most acclaimed young pianists for a landmark recital of classical and virtuoso masterworks at the Pringle Bay United Church

At just 17 and 19 years old respectively, Hermanus Schmidt and Heinrich Sutton represent a new generation of South African pianists already making waves on national concert stages and competition platforms. Together, their ages total a mere 36 years. Their combined list of awards, prizes, and accolades tells a rather different story.

Despite their youth, both pianists have already distinguished themselves through major national competition successes and critically praised performances. Their appearance together on a single stage promises an afternoon of exceptional artistry, youthful energy, and formidable virtuosity.

HERMANUS SCHMIDT

Hermanus Schmidt began teaching himself piano through online tutorials during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020, at the age of twelve. Within months, his exceptional aptitude and dedication led him to formal studies with Marisa van Wyk at Musaic in Somerset West, followed by tuition with Dr Ronella van Rensburg in Stellenbosch. Since 2024 he has been a piano student of Professor Mario Nell at Stellenbosch University. He is currently a Grade 12 learner at Paul Roos Gymnasium.

His rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. By the end of 2025, Hermanus had won the senior division of the Johann Vos Piano Competition in Cape Town, the Atterbury National Piano Competition in Pretoria, and the Western Cape Piano Festival Competition. He was also awarded second prize overall in the UNISA South African Music Scholarship Competition, where he received special prizes for Best Pianist and Best Performance of a Romantic Work. During the prestigious National Youth Music Competition (NYMC), he received the gold medal, the Pauline Nossel Prize for the best performance of a Classical work, and the award for Best Concerto Performance in the final round.

Most recently, Hermanus was the overall winner of the 2026 Hennie Joubert National Piano Competition, where he also received special prizes for the best performance of a Virtuoso Etude, the best Recital, and the best performance of a Concerto in the final round.

Reflecting on what inspires him, he notes: "I love the sunset as it gives me a calm and happy feeling. It is similar to how music makes me feel." On performance and competition, he adds: "My strategy is to arrive as prepared as I can be, to peak when I need to. In doing so, the results are mostly a bonus — I've already won in my way."

HEINRICH SUTTON

Heinrich Sutton began his musical journey at the age of seven, when he was invited to appear as a guest artist at the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria. At the age of ten, he commenced formal piano studies with the renowned pedagogue Claudine van Breda, laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable performance career.

Since then, Heinrich has distinguished himself in both local and national competitions. Among his most significant achievements are winning the 2023 Atterbury National Piano Competition at the age of sixteen, and securing first prize in the 2024 Hennie Joubert National Piano Competition. In August 2024, Heinrich won the Roland Competition, receiving two advanced electric pianos as prizes — one for himself and one for his school. During the same month, he also won his age category in the Victoria Bennett Music Competition.

Heinrich is a regular soloist with various symphony orchestras and has appeared in solo recitals and guest performances across South Africa. He is currently enrolled as a first-year student in Actuarial Science, and also a piano student of Professor Mario Nell at Stellenbosch University.

PROGRAMME

The programme will feature works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Franz Liszt, and Sergei Rachmaninoff, spanning the elegance of the Baroque and Classical eras through to the sweeping emotional intensity and technical brilliance of the Romantic tradition.

Pringle Bay restaurants will participate in the event, offering a special Flavours of Europe menu on the Saturday.

TICKETS & BOOKINGS

Tickets are available via Quicket at R180. Cash at the door: R200. Card payments at the door: R220.

Pringle Proms is an independent concert and events series based in Pringle Bay, Western Cape, celebrating food, music, and the arts.