The concertmaster of the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (CPYO), the 18-year-old violinist Corban Beukes, makes his debut at the 2026 National Youth Music Competition (NYMC) as one of the six violinists who were selected to compete.
According to him, it has been a while since he played in a competition. “I think that participating in this year’s NYMC will be a refreshing experience as a soloist.”
The rising star believes that through his participation in the contest, he will gain experience in playing in a professional competition. He indicated that he knows 11 of the 28 contestants of this year’s competition.
Hailing from Brackenfell in Cape Town, Corban is doing the AS Level (equal to South Africa’s matric of the Cambridge International Education.
The talented violinist started his musical career at the age of three under the tutelage of Renee van der Westhuizen. His current teacher is Dr Suzanne Martens of Stellenbosch University.
Although Corban is the only full-time musician in the family, his late grandfather played guitar and the organ. His older brother plays the guitar and some piano.
There is no doubt that the violin is his favourite musical instrument, but he says he likes to play the guitar in his spare time.
The rising star has a slew of musical role models. They are Renaud Capucon, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Augustin Hadelich, Martha Argerich, Herbert Von Karajan, Miclen Laipang, Andre Baranov, Daniel Rowland, Dr Suzanne Martens, Dr Peter Martens, Brandon Phillips, and Bernard Gueller.
Corban’s favourite composer is Jean Sibelius. “His music has a lot of dark undertones; however, there is always hope. It is very inspirational in the sense that no matter how low you feel, there is always light at the end of the tunnel, even though it may seem far,” he says philosophically.
Except on weekends, the young musician practices four hours per day. According to him, he is a big automobile enthusiast. Besides that, I like reading, walking, researching a wide variety of topics, and spending time with the family.”
The word that describes him is “improving”, and his motto in life is: “Never fail twice intentionally”.
He plans on studying at Stellenbosch University for his Practical Diploma in Music. Should he have the opportunity, he eventually wants to further his music education overseas.