Namibian cellist Juliette Nel shines with audition success

12-year-old selected for prestigious Hubert van der Spuy Music Competition
  • 20 Hours Ago - 2025-07-14 10:10:00
Namibia’s young musical talent has once again stepped onto a national stage, with 12-year-old cellist Juliette Nel earning a coveted spot in the 2025 Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition. Juliette is the only participant from Namibia to be selected among 44 successful candidates, marking a proud moment for the country’s classical music community.
Now in its 36th year, the Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition is South Africa’s most prestigious platform for instrumentalists aged 13 and under. Organised by the Tygerberg branch of the South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT), the competition has grown into a launchpad for future performers and educators across southern Africa.
Juliette, who hails from Swakopmund, will join young musicians from across South Africa for the competition week from 30 September to 4 October at the world-class Endler Hall, Stellenbosch University. She will represent Namibia in a field dominated by competitors from the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
The talented young cellist has impressed with her technical ability, musical maturity, and stage presence – qualities that helped her stand out in a rigorous audition process. Her inclusion in the competition highlights the strength and potential of Namibian youth in the performing arts.
Professor Mario Nell of the Stellenbosch University Department of Music welcomed this year’s line-up, emphasising the institution’s commitment to developing young talent and musical excellence. “This partnership reflects our ongoing dedication to music education, outreach, and mentorship,” he said.
Chairperson of the SASMT Tygerberg branch, Hilda Boonzaaier, noted the exceptional quality of this year’s auditions and encouraged the public to support the young performers. “We are in for a big treat,” she said. “You can look forward to being wowed by the most exceptional talent this country has to offer.”
The final round will be live-streamed on 4 October, with cash prizes exceeding R100 000 on offer.
As Juliette prepares to represent Namibia on this prestigious stage, she stands as an inspiration to aspiring musicians across the country.