The Beau Soleil String Department offers individual tuition on violin, viola, cello and double bass, with all pupils taking part in a string ensembles once they are ready to do so. Nationally known and respected teachers make up a strong teaching staff and students can expect individual attention, high standards and a supportive learning environment.
Students are entered for external examinations, such as ABRSM, UNISA and TRINITY and have a wide range of opportunities to perform at concerts and eisteddfodau. Each student is challenged to develop his or her own musicianship to the highest degree while following individual goals.
In addition to the four string ensembles (preliminary, junior, intermediate and senior) there are opportunities to take part in chamber music ensembles, as well as master classes and workshops. A large complement of Beau Soleil string students take part in the annual Franschhoek Chamber Music Workshop, SANYO orchestra course, and play in the CPYO, among others.
Beau Soleil’s reputation for excellence attracts students from around the Peninsula, enhancing the overall educational experience of music students.
The Beau Soleil Senior String Ensemble was invited to take part in a ‘Three of the Best’ concert at Artscape on 3 August 2014, featuring some of the top youth ensembles in the Western Cape. The other ensembles were the Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and the Hugo Lambrecht’s Senior String Orchestra.
Stéphanie Lawrenson (teacher Marina Louw) gave a beautiful performance of the second and third movements of Bach’s Double Violin Concerto with Jeffrey Armstrong at the Tinta Barocca’s ‘Bright Young Baroque’ concert. This concert took place on 24 June at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Greenpoint.
Stéphanie is a matric pupil at RGHS, and the leader of the Beau Soleil Senior String Orchestra. She started violin lessons with Marina Louw at Beau Soleil in Gr 1, and through the years have obtained numerous distinctions for her external violin exams (UNISA and ABRSM), including invitations to perform at the ABRSM High Scorer’s Concerts.
