Classic musician returns with three prizes
Two of Roodepoort's best cellists were on show
Two classical musicians from Roodepoort recently embarked on the long southward journey to Cape Town to compete in the 2019 National Youth Music Competition. The event was held at the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium from 8 to 12 October and showcased the best that young South African classical musicians had to offer.
Roodepoort residents, Willie Naudé and Vaughan Mclea, both competed in the string category. They used their cellos to impress the judges and stand out among the other 14 contestants who all had their eyes on their share of the prize money of R145 000. Both musicians gave good account of themselves and while, sadly, Willie was eliminated after Round 2, Vaughan went on to excel in the later round.
Vaughan would finish the competition with three prizes. He was awarded the Polina Burdukova Prize which is given to the best performance by a string instrumentalist when performing a piece by a Russian composer. He also picked up the UNISA Shadow Jury Prize for the most promising semifinalist who was not a finalist, as well as the Michael Masote Prize for being the most promising candidate in the strings category.
Unfortunately Vaughan missed out on the Finalists Gala Concert but at just 17, both musicians have many years to hone their musical gifts. Given the heights they have risen to, the classical music world will be hearing from them for years to come.
