Four Grade 10 learners from Camps Bay High School have been selected to join the prestigious Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (CPYO). The CPYO, part of the Cape Philharmonic Music Academy, provides young musicians with the opportunity to perform at a professional level and develop their skills within a full symphony orchestra. Candidates auditioning for the orchestra were required to perform challenging excerpts from orchestral works by Mozart and Dvořák, as well as a solo piece of their choice.

After a competitive selection process, Ogechukwu Arukwe, Siphesande Makele, Zukhanye Mbatsha, and Alizwa Tibisono earned places in the CPYO. These talented musicians are also members of the Muzukidz Senior Ensemble, an external music programme that gives young performers extra experience in ensemble playing and public performance. Christelle De Vries, Head of Music at Camps Bay High School, said: “It’s fantastic to see Ogechukwu, Siphesande, Zukhanye, and Alizwa make it into the CPYO. They’ve worked so hard, and it’s great to see that dedication paying off. Our music programme at school is all about giving students a chance to explore their creativity and grow as musicians, and it’s wonderful to see them carrying that through to opportunities like this.”

Alizwa Tibisono, Ogechukwu Arukwe

Alizwa Tibisono, Siphesphande Makele, Camps Bay High Principal_ Louis Mostert, Zukhanye Mbatsha and Ogechukwu Arukwe

Alizwa Tibisono, Zukhanye Mbatsha

Zukhanye Mbatsha, Siphesande Makele.