Teenage violinist Neo Mtsatse will make her debut performance at this year’s National Arts Festival (Naf).
The 16-year-old has for the past five years been hosting concerts in cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein.
Her mother, Fezeka Mtsatse, who is also her manager, said they made the decision last year to introduce Neo to a bigger audience.
“She needs to get on an international stage.
“The festival attracts a lot of people all over the continent.
“This will give her the exposure she needs,” said Mtsatse.
The young star from Port Elizabeth started playing the violin when she was only six years old, and over the years has participated in a number of competitions, concerts and private performances.
Her parents started home-schooling Neo when she was 13 but decided to send her back to school this year.
“From the second term this year she went back to school. She needed assistance with most of her subjects and it was a lot of work to get her tutors.”
Mtsatse said Neo was excited but anxious at the same time about her first performance at the festival.
“She is not sure how people will receive her during the festival. For her own concerts we always know what to anticipate but now it’s all new for us.”
But Mtsatse was confident that Neo would do well. “We always prepare well in advance. We don’t like surprises and I am confident that Neo will deliver a beautiful show,” she said.
The young muso has shared the stage with well-known musicians such as violinist Samson Diamond, cellist Kutlwano Masote, accordion maestro Sergio Zampolli, bassist Victor Masondo and South African music icon Sibongile Khumalo.
Neo’s performances run from July 4 until July 9 at the Beethoven Room.
For information and bookings, visit: www.nationalartsfestival.co.za.
Teen maestro to debut at Arts Festival
The 16-year-old has for the past five years been hosting concerts in cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein.
Her mother, Fezeka Mtsatse, who is also her manager, said they made the decision last year to introduce Neo to a bigger audience.
“She needs to get on an international stage.
“The festival attracts a lot of people all over the continent.
“This will give her the exposure she needs,” said Mtsatse.
The young star from Port Elizabeth started playing the violin when she was only six years old, and over the years has participated in a number of competitions, concerts and private performances.
Her parents started home-schooling Neo when she was 13 but decided to send her back to school this year.
“From the second term this year she went back to school. She needed assistance with most of her subjects and it was a lot of work to get her tutors.”
Mtsatse said Neo was excited but anxious at the same time about her first performance at the festival.
“She is not sure how people will receive her during the festival. For her own concerts we always know what to anticipate but now it’s all new for us.”
But Mtsatse was confident that Neo would do well. “We always prepare well in advance. We don’t like surprises and I am confident that Neo will deliver a beautiful show,” she said.
The young muso has shared the stage with well-known musicians such as violinist Samson Diamond, cellist Kutlwano Masote, accordion maestro Sergio Zampolli, bassist Victor Masondo and South African music icon Sibongile Khumalo.
Neo’s performances run from July 4 until July 9 at the Beethoven Room.
For information and bookings, visit: www.nationalartsfestival.co.za.
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