Hailing from Heathfield, Cape Town, pianist Damian Philander is a first-year student at Stellenbosch University. He is one of the 14 pianists to participate in the 42nd National Youth Music Competition (NYMC).
Five years ago, the 19-year-old rising star heard of the NYMC through his local newspaper. Although his father then encouraged him to enter, Damian felt not confident enough to leap.
“I realised this year that it would be my last chance to compete in the NYMC, and after starting lessons with my teacher, Prof Nina Schumann, I have made a lot of progress and have gained the confidence to step onto the professional stage,” he says.
Apart from the thrill of competing alongside some of the best upcoming musicians in the country, Damian hopes that the contest will enable him to make meaningful musical connections and friendships. He already knows nine of this year’s participants.
Music runs in the family. His mother learnt how to play the piano as a child, and his older sister also plays the piano. At the age of three years, he started playing the piano, with his sister being his first music teacher.
According to him, people say that he received his musical gift from his great-grandfather, Donald Davids, who was a pianist, organist and music teacher. His great-aunt, Clara Mentor, was also a pianist and organist.
The talented musician also plays the organ, the trombone, the euphonium and bagpipes. He says the organ is his favourite musical instrument.
Damian’s musical role model is his current teacher, Prof Nina Schumann.
He practices piano two to three hours per day, and he loves hiking, exploring the outdoors, learning about historic sites – especially in South Africa, and wine tasting.
Johann Sebastian Bach is his favourite composer. “His music reflects the qualities I value most, namely discipline, structure, intellectual depth, and expressive beauty achieved through precision rather than excess. His compositions inspire me to pursue excellence with the same balance of order, creativity, and purpose in both my music and my life,” he says.
The rising star describes himself as ambitious and lives by the motto: “Supera Moras”. It is his old school’s (Wynberg Boys) motto that translates to “overcoming difficulties”.
Damian would like to become a chartered accountant and continue his musical journey as an organist in a church and potentially continue to play for the Windworx Symphonic Wind Ensemble or join the Cape Town Concert Brass.
Should he be able to be an inanimate object, the young pianist would like to be a fountain pen as it represents precision, craftsmanship, and respect for tradition. “It is a timeless instrument that leaves a personal mark, reflecting your desire to build a lasting legacy through your performance, studies and dedication to excellence,” Damian reveals.