8 March 2023
On Sunday, Michaelhouse student Samir Dookie delivered an outstanding performance on the piano, as one of nine soloists in the second annual Youth Concerto Festival in Pretoria.
He performed with the Pretoria Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Conductor Jaco van Staden.
Samir’s performance of the second movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto no. 2 drew a standing ovation from the audience in the Afriforum Theatre.
However, the accolades didn’t end there for Samir and his teacher, Doctor Carika de Swardt. What they didn’t know was that the original selection panel had also judged the performers’ progress and performance, and they chose Samir as the recipient of the top prize.
He was also praised for his maturity, exceptional musicality, sensitive performance and his humility and gracious attitude towards the members of the Orchestra and the other performers.
Samir was, furthermore, invited to perform a complete Concerto of his choice with the Orchestra s part of their annual programme in 2024.
Leave a Reply