TIMELESS WHISPERS – GUEST MUSICIANS
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We are delighted to be working with the following young musicians who will be bringing our all-South African choral celebration of the Karoo to life!
Mikyle Adams (organ)
In 2021 Mikyle obtained his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cape Town graduating with a distinction in organ under the tutelage of Grant Bräsler. He has performed as either an accompanist or recitalist at the Baxter Concert Hall, University of Pretoria, St George’s Cathedral, Cape Town City Hall and St Thomas Church, Durban. In 2019, he participated as a finalist in the Unisa Music Competition and later, in 2020, was awarded a bursary for organ studies from the South African Church and Concert Organists Society.
As a church musician in both the Catholic and Anglican churches, he is also the Secretary of the Royal School of Church, Cape Town branch. Mikyle had the privilege of being appointed as an Organ Scholar at St Michael and All Angels, Observatory under the direction of Deon Irish. In addition to publishing his album of the St Mary’s Cathedral organ on major streaming platforms, it has also featured on Fine Music Radio in 2020 as part of their PlayOn Series. After completing his Postgraduate Certificate in Education at STADIO last year, Mikyle is pursuing an organ performance Master in Music degree in 2023.
Ashlin Grobbelaar (cello)
Ashlin Grobbelaar started their musical journey as part of the Mangaung String Programme in Bloemfontein and is currently studying with Graham du Plessis at the South African College of Music. Ashlin plays regularly as an ad-hoc cellist with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
They have played with the Miagi Youth Orchestra, South African National Youth Orchestra and the Junge Norddeutsche Philharmonie. They placed as a runner-up in the inaugural UCT strings competition in 2022. In October 2022, they took part in and won the 15th annual Schock Prize for Chamber Music with their chamber group. They have also appeared as a soloist with the Free State Symphony Orchestra, the OSM Camerata, the University of Cape Town Symphony Orchestra, the Hugo Lambrechts Symphony Orchestra and performed in the opening concert for the Fynarts Festival in Hermanus under the baton of Richard Cock. Other than being an active chamber- and orchestral musician they strive to create opportunities to make music education more accessible to those of a similar background to them.
Chris Njapha (cello)
Sicelo Christopher Njapha graduated with a BMus (Bachelor of Music) degree from Stellenbosch University’s Music Department in 2020, where he studied under the tutelage of Babette Roosenschoon. He is now studying for a BMus Honours under Graham du Plessis. Chris began his formal cello lessons at the age of 17, taught by Nigel Fish at the Durban Music School. Having made unusually fast progress, he participated in masterclasses courses with world renowned cellists David Cohen, Alexander Buzlov, Norman Fischer, Gary Hoffman, Xenia Jankovic, Jerome Pernoo, Thorleif Theeden and Kyril Zlotnikov.
In 2021, Chris was the ‘young rising star’ performer in the Endler Hall concert series.
Chris has also worked with the Cape Town as well as the KwaZulu Natal and Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestras. He was also semi-finalist in the UNISA national strings competition in 2021 and competed in the ATKV Instrumental and Edna Elphick cello competitions and was a prize winner.
He has also appeared as a soloist with the KZNPO and the CPO as well as the Cape Town Youth Orchestra and the Stellenbosch University Orchestra. And was chosen to participate in the G20 Summit Orchestra as one of four South African representatives in Indonesia.