The soulful, warm melody transcending from a cello was enough to hypnotise Doon Heights resident, Chris Njapha. He is a cellist who just completed a Bachelor of Music degree at the Stellenbosch University and has been accepted to continue his studies with a Master of Music degree at the world-renowned Manhattan School of Music in New York.
After learning about the instrument during a Grade 9 lesson, the former Amanzimtoti High School learner was instantly captivated. Chris began his formal music lessons when he was 15-years-old, first with the violin for two years, then switching to the cello. Having made unusually fast progress, in Stellenbosch he participated in master-classes with world-renowned cellists David Cohen, Alexander Buzlov and Norman Fischer. In 2019, he attended a Summer Music Course in Semmering, Austria. Chris was the principal cellist of the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and a member of the University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra.
He was recently awarded with a partial scholarship on his acceptance to the Manhattan School of Music in New York and is due to begin his studies for a Master of Music degree in September 2021.
“The school year commences in September 2021, and I hope to be there at that time to be able to begin my studies. I was fortunate to be able to receive a partial scholarship, however, there is still a significant amount I must come up with. I would like to ask for your help in financing my education in the United States of America.” Chris is incredibly passionate about music as a whole.”
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“Getting the money to study would mean the world to me. This is my culminating moment and it’s such a milestone for me. I dream of becoming an international performer. This means everything to me. Music itself is such an innate part of my life and it helps me express myself.”
The 23-year-old encourages other young musicians to always work towards their goals regardless of how impossible they may seem.
“All young people who have dreams can become trailblazers. Everything seems impossible until it is done. Young people can break the limit.”
To assist Chris call on 079-154-2581.
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