The Songmakers' Guild Protégé Programme Showcase

CAPE TOWNBuilding on the success of the Young Artist Auditions, the Songmakers’ Guild has now, through its new Protégé Programme, set itself to offer young, emerging Art Song duos the opportunity to take part in a year-long training program absolutely unique in South Africa, and one of the few of its kind in the world.In the Protégé Programme, six selected duos of young pianists and singers have had the opportunity to develop, polish and hone their craft through regular coaching sessions with members of the Guild, as well as participation in public master classes with outstanding specialists in fields adjacent to Art Song. The Guild’s final set of concerts for 2026 is a Protégé Programme Showcase – a culmination of the duos’ learning experiences and an opportunity for our audiences to admire the fruits of their passionate artistic labours. This year’s masterclasses were focused on the interpretation of Shakespeare texts (presented by the celebrated actor Marcel Meyer), the discovery of French poetry (presented by Prof Catherine du Toit from Stellenbosch University), the idea of embodiment in Cabaret-style Art Song (presented by the dancer and choreographer jackï job), and finally a “back to basics” project exploring Schubert and his unique contribution to the genre. On the Showcase programme our audiences will be able to hear excerpts from all these projects, from Schubertian classics to Shakespearean settings by Finzi or Korngold, as well as timeless French masterpieces by Debussy or Duparc, and unexpected cabaret-like treats by Heggie and Bernstein, among many others. The six Songmakers’ Guild Protégé Duos for 2026 are:Chloë Loggenberg, soprano & Caleb Thomas, pianoChriston Southgate, soprano & Blaine Josephs, pianoErin Beck, soprano & Chanda Lupambo, pianoNtobeko Zindlani, tenor & Carla Coltman, pianoSinesipho Tokwe, soprano & Lebeko Mosunkutu, pianoTasmin Titus, soprano & Hyron Scheepers, pianoCome enjoy their incredible talent and an evening of the most spellbinding poetry and music brought into perfect synergy. Included in ticket price:Full programme with translationsA glass of La Motte wine