A SPECIAL fundraising recital, in support of the Baxter Theatre and featuring one of South Africa’s most exciting young pianists, Isaac van der Merwe, will take place on Friday, 17 July 2026 at 6.30pm, in the Concert Hall. The performance aims to raise vital support for the theatre, while offering audiences an exceptional evening of classical music.
At just 23, Isaac has already established an impressive national profile through victories in major piano competitions, concerto appearances with leading orchestras and performances at festivals across the country. His programme showcases the breadth of his artistry through works by Mozart, Berg and other master composers. All proceeds from this concert will support the Baxter Theatre’s ongoing artistic and educational mission.
“We are immensely grateful to Isaac, for generously offering this exciting opportunity to The Baxter and classical music lovers alike. This collaboration with the multi-award-winning virtuoso artist reflects the theatre’s ongoing commitment to presenting exceptional artistic excellence while showcasing some of South Africa’s most promising and finest young talent on our stages,” says Baxter marketing manager, Fahiem Stellenboom.
In staging this performance, van der Merwe joins a proud tradition of local artists stepping up to protect the independent spaces that anchor the city’s vibrant arts community. He explains, “This fundraiser is about protecting the future of a location that is a mainstay of Capetonian culture and classical music. The Baxter stage is invaluable to young musicians at the South African College of Music, who use it for performances and examinations. Having a concert venue of this calibre — a large auditorium, with acoustics designed to allow us to produce the colours we want — available to us as music students allows us to meaningfully practise for professional musical life, both here and overseas. I want to do my part to ensure the Baxter remains open for years to come.”
Audiences can expect a captivating journey through some of the piano repertoire’s most cherished and compelling works. Highlights include the timeless charm of Mozart, the enchanting sound world of Debussy’s Suite Bergamasque, the emotional intensity of Berg’s Piano Sonata, Op. 1 and the sweeping lyricism and virtuosity of Rachmaninoff. Together, these works promise an evening of artistry, imagination and technical brilliance, offering something to delight both seasoned concertgoers and newcomers alike.
