Pianist, Hermanus Schmidt, 16 from Somerset West in the Western Cape, started his musical journey during the Covid-19 lockdown by following YouTube tutorials at the age of 12 years.

Approximately five months later, he started formal piano lessons with Marisa van Wyk of Musaic in Somerset West. The learner from Paul Roos Gimnasium in Stellenbosch is currently taking lessons with Dr Ronella van Rensburg and Prof Mario Nell.

“My strategy for the 2024 National Youth Music competition is to arrive as prepared as I can be, to peak when I need to. I will execute the plan that we have been preparing for each piece all year as best I can. In doing so, the results are mostly a bonus as I've already won in my way,” he philosophises.

The emerging star says his practising hours vary. When he prepares for a competition, he could practice up to six hours per day, otherwise, it is two to three hours per day, and depending on his schedule he sometimes doesn’t practice at all.

Hermanus is the youngest of three children. His brother sometimes plays the guitar, and his sister does not like classical music and does not play any instrument. As a family, there is some guitar playing and singing for pleasure when the family gets together.

He describes his music’s colour as orange. “I love the sunset as it gives me a calm and happy feeling. It is similar to how music makes me feel,” he smiles.

His favourite composer is the Russian composer, virtuoso pianist, and conductor, Sergei Rachmaninoff. “His music transports you to another planet.”

Apart from playing music, Hermanus tries to visit the gymnasium regularly. He loves rugby but stopped recently. He says he hopes to play again next year.

The rising star describes himself as driven. With the motto: Feet on the ground. His big dream would be to become a concert pianist. “But it does feel sometimes like a risky dream,” he sighs.