KZN student a finalist for prestigious global music award
A KZN Masters student is one of four musicians competing for a reputable international scholarship on 18 August at Joburg's Linder Auditorium.
Riley Giandhari, a 23-year-old student specialising in music composition at UKZN, will contend in the Overseas Scholarships for Composers Competition's Jazz category.
The overall winner in each of the two categories - also inclusive of classical music - will receive a scholarship to the tune of R200 000 to pursue postgraduate music studies or professionally train abroad.
Speaking to Newswatch, Giandhari says he started studying Jazz in 2013.
"I started performing with many Jazz bands and artists as a drummer. Thereafter, I fell in love with composition while learning piano."
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The Durban-born musician who grew up in Queensburgh says he's both nervous and excited about the composers' contest.
"No one knows what to expect. It is an honour to be recognized as a composer by such an established organisation (the Southern African Music Rights Organisation) which creates opportunities for musicians and artists. Most of the work is already done for the competition. I will be rehearsing my composition titled 'Answer The Call' with the big band the day before and they will perform this at the final event. I would basically have to conduct the big band," he said.
Giandhari says his future plans include contributing to his immediate community.
"I would love to develop myself overseas as a composer and performer and make music that will contribute to the South African music scene. I also want to give something back to the community in terms of educating underprivileged up and coming musicians."