The 2025 Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF), marking its 20th edition, promises a dynamic blend of classical masterworks and innovative compositions. Taking place in Stellenbosch, South Africa, the festival runs from 4 to 13 July at the renowned Endler Hall, part of Stellenbosch University’s Konservatorium.
A special pre-festival concert on 3 July features the SICMF Alumni Symphony Orchestra, performing Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, Gershwin’s Concerto in F, and a new work by Matthijs van Dijk. Conducted by Jacobus de Jager, the concert stars pianist Leo Gevisser and violinist Ian Watson, a 2004 SICMF alumnus.
The faculty concert series launches with Max Richter’s reimagined Four Seasons, featuring violinist Daniel Rowland, and closes with Ravel’s Bolero. This year’s programme balances timeless classics by Beethoven, Brahms, and Shostakovich with modern works by Kapustin, Widmann, Macky, and Mustonen. On 8 July, New York-based jazz pianist Kevin Harris premieres RESONANCE, a powerful new composition inspired by Steve Biko’s writings.
World-Class Talent & Student Showcases
Top international artists—including Maja Bogdanovic, Emanuil Ivanov, and Nicholas Dautricourt—will perform and mentor over 300 students through masterclasses, coaching, and daily student concerts at 13:00 and 17:00.
The festival concludes with four orchestral concerts, one in Kayamandi’s community hall and three at Endler Hall.
The Festival Symphony Orchestra, led by Antony Hermus, and the Festival Concert Orchestra, conducted by Michael Repper, will perform works by Ravel, Bizet, Brahms and more.
For more information visit www.sicmf.co.za
