“It’s hard to believe that the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival is turning twenty. When we launched the very first festival in 2004, I never imagined how quickly the years would pass—or how deeply this festival would come to feel like family.
Just the other day, I meant to call it a showcase for the faculty, and instead I said “showcase for the family.” It made me smile, because in truth, that’s exactly what SICMF has become—for me, and for so many others. It’s a space where musicians, audiences, and young performers connect in ways that go far beyond the concert hall.
What makes this festival special is its meaning—to each person who experiences it. It changes lives. It inspires young artists. It challenges professionals. And it contributes to something far larger: the musical and cultural landscape of South Africa. From commissioning new works to raising the standard of playing, SICMF has had a lasting impact not just on individuals, but on the environment we work and create in.
I can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with all of you. Yes, there’s been a bit of lost sleep along the way—but it’s been a joyful, exhilarating journey. Thank you for being part of it. Here’s to the next twenty years!”
– Nina Schumann
Festival Co-Founder and Artistic Directorr
