A young pianist from Bothasig will be taking part in a prestigious national music competition later this year.
The SAMRO National Music Competition will place at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre in Parow from September 24 until September 28. Samro (South African Music Rights Organisation) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
It promotes the country’s fresh musical talent, protects the rights of composers and helps musicians perform nationally and internationally.
Jaden van Balla,11, a Grade 3 pupil at Edgemead Primary School, started piano lessons with Joseph Moses in 2012 and continued his tutelage at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre from 2016 to 2017.
He is currently a private student of Linda Claassen.
A member of the New Apostolic Church Cape Town’s Choir, he often plays the organ during church services and music events.
Jaden performed as a soloist with the Hugo Lambrechts Orchestra at their 2016 concerto festival and was the runner-up for the 2016 Samro under-10 years and younger category. He passed his Grade 3 piano practical at Unisa with a distinction and has won several prizes at eisteddfods.
Although Jaden gets nervous before a performance he is always excited to “play for the listeners”.
“Music must be played from the heart, to touch the heart of the listener,” says Jaden.
His mother, Anastacia van Balla, says she is grateful to have such a gifted son.
“As parents we are very proud of Jaden. Jaden’s name means ‘God has heard’, and we are thankful to God every day for granting us a gifted son and that he can also be an instrument in God’s work.”
Jaden is among 57 participants in the competition, and eight finalists will vie for the winning title on the final night, Friday September 28.