More than 100 children in Bloemfontein were introduced to the bassoon through an international music initiative hosted by the University of the Free State (UFS) Odeion School of Music (OSM) in collaboration with Musicon. The initiative aimed to renew interest in the instrument, strengthen bassoon education in South Africa and inspire a new generation of musicians.
The Bassoon Kick-Off Bloemfontein 2026, held from 26 October to 1 November, brought together international and local musicians, music educators and young learners through concerts, workshops, educational demonstrations and interactive sessions. Led by artistic director Dr Antonia Teibler, a bassoonist and musicologist from Vienna, Austria, the initiative created opportunities for young people to explore the instrument while strengthening connections within South Africa’s music community.
Initiated by Marius Coetzee, responsible for Innovation and Development at the OSM, and funded by the Kultur Forum/Austrian Embassy in Pretoria, the project highlighted the importance of introducing young learners to classical music and creating pathways to further music studies.
Introducing young learners to the bassoon
A central component of the initiative was its outreach programme, which took the instrument beyond the concert stage and into local schools and educational projects.
Teibler visited Oranje-Meisieskool, where learners from different grades were introduced to the bassoon. The outreach activities also included the Bochabela Music Project, where children had the opportunity to explore the instrument through interactive sessions.
To make the experience accessible to younger learners, Teibler brought specially designed mini bassoons that allowed children to handle and play the instrument. “Over 100 kids here in Bloemfontein tried the bassoons this week,” she said.
Teibler explained that the intention was to renew interest in an instrument that already has an established presence in Bloemfontein but needs more young players to ensure its continued development.
She described the initiative as a wake-up call for the local music community, particularly in encouraging children to discover the possibilities of the bassoon.
At the Bochabela Music Project, the activities also explored connections between Western classical music and African musical traditions. Through interactive musical activities, including dancing, children experienced different ways of engaging with music and discovering the instrument.
Building opportunities for future bassoonists
Beyond introducing children to the instrument, the project provided an opportunity for local bassoon teachers and professional musicians to discuss the future of bassoon education in the province.
Teibler noted that Bloemfontein already had instruments and teachers, but that more learners needed to be attracted to the instrument to ensure the continuation of bassoon studies.
She was encouraged by the response, noting that some young participants had already expressed an interest in taking lessons at Musicon in the coming year.“We have the instruments, we have the teachers, so we can bring everything together,” she said, emphasising the importance of sustaining the initiative beyond its inaugural edition.
Coetzee said hosting Teibler provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the instrument and explore ways of expanding music education at the school and university levels.
He explained that opportunities to study certain instruments, particularly double-reed instruments such as the bassoon and oboe, remained limited across South Africa. The initiative was therefore intended to lay the foundation for recruiting more young bassoonists, including prospective students who could pursue music studies at the UFS.
Coetzee said the organisers hoped that approximately four to five interested learners would continue with bassoon lessons following the programme. “The first step is to build up a good base, to find children and students who really want to learn the instrument,” he said, highlighting the importance of continuing the project and developing its long-term impact.
Celebrating collaboration through performance
The initiative also showcased the versatility of the bassoon through two concerts at the UFS Odeion School of Music Amphitheatre.
The opening concert, featuring Teibler and Professor Anmari van der Westhuizen on cello, explored the instrument beyond its traditional orchestral role, demonstrating its potential as a solo and chamber music instrument.
The programme featured works by composers including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Paul Hindemith and Irving Berlin.
The final matinee concert, titled Dancing with the Bassoon, brought together local and international performers in a collaborative ensemble featuring bassoonists and oboists, accompanied by harpsichord.
The performances also celebrated South African musical creativity, with works by local composers Allan Stephenson and Nico Smit included in the programme.
Teibler highlighted the contribution of Smit, a 17-year-old composer from Potchefstroom, whose bassoon trio was performed during the initiative. Inspired by hearing several bassoons performing together, Smit expressed an interest in composing another work for the instrument.
For Teibler, such collaborations demonstrated the project’s potential to encourage new compositions and strengthen relationships between emerging composers and professional performers.
Looking towards a sustainable future
Both Teibler and Coetzee emphasised that the initiative should extend beyond a once-off programme. Continued collaboration will be essential to building on the interest generated among learners, educators and musicians.
Teibler expressed the hope of returning to Bloemfontein to continue developing the initiative and supporting the growth of bassoon education.
Coetzee echoed the importance of sustaining the project, noting that developing a strong foundation of young players could create opportunities for future recruitment and professional music development.
Through its collaboration with Musicon and international music practitioners, the UFS Odeion School of Music continues to contribute to music education, artistic development and opportunities for emerging musicians.
The Bassoon Kick-Off Bloemfontein 2026 demonstrated how introducing young people to specialised musical instruments and connecting them with experienced performers and educators can open new pathways for learning, creativity and artistic growth. By laying the groundwork for sustained interest in the bassoon, the initiative represents an encouraging step towards strengthening music education and nurturing the next generation of South African musicians.