About
The Youth Concerto Festival returns for its fifth annual edition, continuing its mission as a cornerstone initiative of the orchestra to nurture and advance classical music in our country. Led by conductor Jaco van Staden, the festival offers young musicians a valuable platform to perform with a full symphony orchestra, supporting their growth as emerging soloists. After auditions held in November 2025, twelve outstanding soloists between the ages of 12 and 22 were selected to participate. This year’s festival highlights the promising future of local talent through a diverse programme featuring instruments including cello, clarinet, flute, French horn, piano, saxophone, viola, and violin. A standout moment of the festival will be Talita Smith’s compelling performance of Heitor Villa-Lobos’s complete “Fantasia for Saxophone,” showcasing the remarkable artistry of one of the 2025 participants.
