The 2025 Youth Day Flute Festival was proudly hosted by Pretoria Boys High School – a wonderful culmination of learning, talent and community.
The 2025 Youth Day Flute Festival, held on 16 June at Pretoria Boys High School, was a dynamic celebration of music, learning, and community spirit.
The event brought together 66 participants from 31 schools, the University of Pretoria, UNISA, and several adult musicians and teachers—including two PBHS alumni—for a full day of flute-focused workshops and performances.
Participants were grouped into four ensembles based on playing level and coached by leading Gauteng flautists: Meg Twyford, Sanri Naudé, Bobby van der Watt, and Anna-Maria Vermeulen, with support from Nina Anderson and Liza Klopper. These expert tutors led rehearsals and guided each group in preparing for the festival’s final concert.
A standout moment of the day was a flute exhibition by renowned technician Laetitia de Lange, giving participants the rare opportunity to explore various instruments hands-on. The programme also featured an informal, insightful talk by master flute maker Michael Botha on the intricate craft of headjoint making.
The festival culminated in a concert in the PBHS School Hall, opening with the PBHS Flute Ensemble under the direction of Handri Loots, followed by performances from all four festival ensembles.
The event concluded with a powerful mass flute choir rendition of Railroaded by Nicole Chamberlain—featuring all participants, tutors, and local flute teachers—conducted by Loots.
The 2025 Youth Day Flute Festival was an inspiring success, thanks to the passion of the performers, the commitment of the tutors, and the generous support of the broader music community. We’re excited to grow the festival even further in 2026!
Congratulations to our Music Department for continuing to raise the bar for our young, dynamic musicians, providing several opportunities for them to shine!
