UCT guitarists shine at masterclass

Learning experience: Simon Wynberg and student Morne Kahts at the masterclass.

The South African College of Music (SACM) recently hosted a masterclass with visiting guitarist Simon Wynberg, a UCT alumnus and artistic director of the Artists of the Royal Conservatory Ensemble, who are in residence at Toronto's Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada.

Four guitarists, Marc Röntsch, Ross Dorkin, David van Niekerk and Morne Kahts were selected to perform for Wynberg. All are students of James Grace, head of guitar studies at the SACM, and organizer of the masterclass.

Wynberg said he was impressed with their high level of both technical and musical proficiency and their commanding stage presence. The wide range of music presented included works by the Brazilian composer Heitor Villa, French guitarist Roland Dyens, and the Japanese composer Yuquijiro Yocoh.

"The comments made by Wynberg were extremely positive and encouraging," said Grace. "Visits by artists of his stature are vital in ensuring that our department remains Africa's leading classical guitar department, and that its students are continuously able to compete on an international level."