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23 October 2023 | Story Samkelo Fetile | Photo Supplied
The finalists in the 2023 Matriculant of the Year competition

In a culmination of academic prowess, leadership, sportsmanship, cultural achievements, and community engagement, the University of the Free State (UFS), Matriculant of the Year competition for 2023 has declared Michael de Bruyn, the head boy of Futurum Akademie in Tadcaster near Jan Kempdorp in the Northern Cape, as the 42nd winner. This prestigious event, in collaboration with Netwerk24 and Volksblad, witnessed the participation of 66 outstanding matriculants from eight provinces.

The journey to success for these matriculants was not only a test of academic acumen but a comprehensive evaluation of their leadership skills, involvement in sports and cultural activities, and commitment to community projects. The top 25 entrants were honoured with bursaries from the UFS, a testament to the institution's dedication to nurturing talent and fostering academic excellence.

The stakes were raised even higher for the top 14 finalists, who gathered at the Monte Bello Estate near Bloemfontein for the final judging. This phase involved personal interviews and group sessions, challenging the finalists to showcase not only their intellectual capabilities but also their interpersonal skills and collaborative spirit.

Sponsors and Supporters

Despite the economic challenges, the Matriculant of the Year competition has continued to thrive, thanks to the unwavering support of its sponsors. The final round judges, representing the Kovsie Alumni Trust, Absa, Mazars (official auditors), and Pick n Pay Preller Walk, played a crucial role in determining the ultimate winner.

In addition to the overall winner, the Kovsie Alumni Trust went above and beyond by sponsoring two special prizes for exceptional achievements in culture and sports. Ilke de Klerk of Goudveld-Hoërskool in Welkom received the sports accolade for her outstanding accomplishments in athletics and netball. Recognising cultural excellence, two accomplished pianists, Karli Janeke from St Dunstan’s College in Benoni and Elizabeth Joubert from C & N Meisieskool Oranje in Bloemfontein, were honoured for their exceptional contributions.

Culture and Sports Recognised

The spirit of the competition extends beyond academic and extracurricular achievements, acknowledging the vibrant personalities that contribute to a well-rounded community. Renienke van Heerden from Jim Fouché High School in Bloemfontein was voted as the sparkling personality, showcasing that the matriculants of 2023 are not only accomplished in their fields but also possess a captivating and engaging presence.

As the 42nd winner of the Matriculant of the Year competition, Michael de Bruyn stands as a beacon of inspiration for future generations and symbolises the UFS's commitment to recognising and nurturing excellence in all its forms. The competition serves not only as a celebration of academic achievement but also as a platform for the holistic development of young minds, moulding them into leaders, athletes, artists, and compassionate community members.

Nomonde Mbadi, Director at the Department of Student Recruitment Services, extends her congratulations to the finalists of the Matriculant of the Year 2023 competition. “I commend the learners for their outstanding achievements, and I do acknowledge the potential they carry for the future. May their accomplishments serve as inspiration for many others to pursue excellence and contribute positively to the world.”

News Archive

Odeion School of Music Camerata to perform in Russia
2013-07-31

 

31 July 2013

OSM CAMERATA "Die Spokewals" by Hendrik Hofmeyr under the baton of Jan Moritz Onken (YouTube)

After a successful audition, the Odeion School of Music Camerata (OSMC) received an invitation to participate in the 13th International Conservatory Festival which will take place in St Petersburg, Russia, from 1 to 9 November 2013. The festival is a yearly highlight on the concert calendar of the prestigious Rimsky Korsakov Conservatoire.

The artistic panel of the festival, under the leadership of Prof Lydia Volchek, annually selects ten international conservatories to gather in St Petersburg for the festival. Some of the participants include the Tchaikovsky Conservatoire: Moscow, Conservatoire de Paris, Eastman School of Music NY and the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki Finland. According to the Rector of the Rimsky Korsakov Conservatoire, Prof Mikhail Gantvarg, it will be the first ever school of music hailing from Africa to participate in the festival.

The OSMC was requested to give two recitals of 40 minutes each during the festival. Maestro Jan Moritz Onken (Chief Conductor of the OSMC for 2013) will lead the ensemble to St Petersburg. OSMC members will have the opportunity to attend all concerts presented by fellow participants as well as masters’ classes presented by the masters of St Petersburg Conservatoire.

The festival is usually opened and closed with a grand concert presented by the St Petersburg Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra (70 plus members). Last year the opening concert was conducted by the celebrated master, Valery Gergiev (artistic director of the Mariinsky Opera and Symphony Orchestra), while the closing ceremony was conducted by Semyon Bychkov – reciting the Leningrad Symphony by Shostakovich. Both Gergiev and Bychkov are alumni of the St Petersburg Conservatoire.

All recitals at the festival will be presented in the Opera and Theatre Hall of the Conservatoire, as well as in the acclaimed Glazunov Concert Hall located within the colossal conservatory building.

The OSMC will recite a programme of mainly South African composers, with two new works commissioned by the OSM New Music Initiative. These were written by the prolific South African composer, Hendrik Hofmeyr: laureate of the Queen Elizabeth International Composition Competition, entitled Spokewals / Phantom Waltz and Notturno Elegiaco. Spokewals / Phantom Waltz is a challenging work where musicians simultaneously play, sing and speak.

A reworked edition for chamber orchestra of the original string quartet for piano and soprano, Liedere op Boesman-verse, by revered South African composer, Stefans Grové, will also be performed. To commemorate the centenary of composer Benjamin Britten this year, Cantus in Memoriam of Benjamin Britten by Arvo Pärt is also included in the programme.

After participating at the festival in St Petersburg, the ensemble will depart for a two-day visit to Moscow where the OSMC will perform an ’All South African’ programme.

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