Mike Zining Wang, a learner from Paarl Boys’ High, has just been awarded first prize for the prestigious National Youth Music Competition for his extraordinary performance of Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 2 in C Minor. The purpose of the National Youth Music Competition is to identify and promote the talent and abilities of young classical musicians. Mike, born in China, moved to South Africa on the young and age of 8. He started partaking in piano lessons around the same time under the guidance of the well renowned Prof. Mario Nell – the director of the conservatoire of music at the University of Stellenbosch.

Mike, only a grade 10 learner at Paarl Boys’ High, also partakes in the school chess club – where he took part in the SA Nationals and is also a valuable participant in the schools wind band. According to the schools band conductor, Reghardt Künh (whom himself was awarded with the silver place award at the National Conductors Competition) “ Mike is a wonderful and inquisitive learner that took on the opportunity to form part of a new musical ensemble with open arms. Although not his first instrument, Mike was able to slot into the percussion section with ease, whilst being able to contribute to the overall product of the wind band”.

Mike Wang