In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Hendrik Hofmeyr, often described as South Africa’s most performed classical composer. His works span opera, orchestral, chamber, choral, vocal, and piano music, and have been performed across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
We discuss his opera Sara Baartman, which tells the true story of Saartjie Baartman, a woman of the Khoi community whose life and legacy remain an important part of South African history. Hendrik shares why he felt compelled to give voice to her story through music and the deeper cultural significance behind the work.
Our conversation also explores how African musical traditions have influenced his compositions, including his album Partita Africana (Disques Triton, 2021), performed by Marika Hofmeyr (piano), Philippe Bernold (flute), and Berthilde Dufour (violin). This collection, whose title translates to “African Partita,” incorporates indigenous song and thematic transformation, reflecting Hendrik’s deep engagement with the sound world of the African continent. His music has also been featured and recognized in leading French publications.
We also speak about the challenges and opportunities for classical musicians in South Africa today, and the significance of Hofmeyr’s works being included in the syllabus of classical music education.
In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to South African music, Hofmeyr was awarded the prestigious triennial Hubert Rupert Prize for Classical Music by the South African Academy of Science and Art in 2025.
Beyond his life as a composer, we look at his distinguished academic career: from lecturing at Stellenbosch University to serving as Professor and Head of Composition and Theory at the University of Cape Town until 2022, where he inspired generations of musicians and composers.
https://hendrikhofmeyr.wixsite.com/mysite
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In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Hendrik Hofmeyr, often described as South Africa’s most performed classical composer. His works span opera, orchestral, chamber, choral, vocal, and piano music, and have been performed across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
We discuss his opera Sara Baartman, which tells the true story of Saartjie Baartman, a woman of the Khoi community whose life and legacy remain an important part of South African history. Hendrik shares why he felt compelled to give voice to her story through music and the deeper cultural significance behind the work.
Our conversation also explores how African musical traditions have influenced his compositions, including his album Partita Africana (Disques Triton, 2021), performed by Marika Hofmeyr (piano), Philippe Bernold (flute), and Berthilde Dufour (violin). This collection, whose title translates to “African Partita,” incorporates indigenous song and thematic transformation, reflecting Hendrik’s deep engagement with the sound world of the African continent. His music has also been featured and recognized in leading French publications.
We also speak about the challenges and opportunities for classical musicians in South Africa today, and the significance of Hofmeyr’s works being included in the syllabus of classical music education.
In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to South African music, Hofmeyr was awarded the prestigious triennial Hubert Rupert Prize for Classical Music by the South African Academy of Science and Art in 2025.
Beyond his life as a composer, we look at his distinguished academic career: from lecturing at Stellenbosch University to serving as Professor and Head of Composition and Theory at the University of Cape Town until 2022, where he inspired generations of musicians and composers.
https://hendrikhofmeyr.wixsite.com/mysite
South Africa’s Most Performed Composer: Hendrik Hofmeyr in Conversation
Petra Sittig
1 hour 25 minutes 32 seconds
4 days ago
South Africa’s Most Performed Composer: Hendrik Hofmeyr in Conversation
In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Hendrik Hofmeyr, often described as South Africa’s most performed classical composer. His works span opera, orchestral, chamber, choral, vocal, and piano music, and have been performed across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
We discuss his opera Sara Baartman, which tells the true story of Saartjie Baartman, a woman of the Khoi community whose life and legacy remain an important part of South African history. Hendrik shares why he felt compelled to give voice to her story through music and the deeper cultural significance behind the work.
Our conversation also explores how African musical traditions have influenced his compositions, including his album Partita Africana (Disques Triton, 2021), performed by Marika Hofmeyr (piano), Philippe Bernold (flute), and Berthilde Dufour (violin). This collection, whose title translates to “African Partita,” incorporates indigenous song and thematic transformation, reflecting Hendrik’s deep engagement with the sound world of the African continent. His music has also been featured and recognized in leading French publications.
We also speak about the challenges and opportunities for classical musicians in South Africa today, and the significance of Hofmeyr’s works being included in the syllabus of classical music education.
In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to South African music, Hofmeyr was awarded the prestigious triennial Hubert Rupert Prize for Classical Music by the South African Academy of Science and Art in 2025.
Beyond his life as a composer, we look at his distinguished academic career: from lecturing at Stellenbosch University to serving as Professor and Head of Composition and Theory at the University of Cape Town until 2022, where he inspired generations of musicians and composers.
https://hendrikhofmeyr.wixsite.com/mysite
Petra Sittig
In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Hendrik Hofmeyr, often described as South Africa’s most performed classical composer. His works span opera, orchestral, chamber, choral, vocal, and piano music, and have been performed across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
We discuss his opera Sara Baartman, which tells the true story of Saartjie Baartman, a woman of the Khoi community whose life and legacy remain an important part of South African history. Hendrik shares why he felt compelled to give voice to her story through music and the deeper cultural significance behind the work.
Our conversation also explores how African musical traditions have influenced his compositions, including his album Partita Africana (Disques Triton, 2021), performed by Marika Hofmeyr (piano), Philippe Bernold (flute), and Berthilde Dufour (violin). This collection, whose title translates to “African Partita,” incorporates indigenous song and thematic transformation, reflecting Hendrik’s deep engagement with the sound world of the African continent. His music has also been featured and recognized in leading French publications.
We also speak about the challenges and opportunities for classical musicians in South Africa today, and the significance of Hofmeyr’s works being included in the syllabus of classical music education.
In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to South African music, Hofmeyr was awarded the prestigious triennial Hubert Rupert Prize for Classical Music by the South African Academy of Science and Art in 2025.
Beyond his life as a composer, we look at his distinguished academic career: from lecturing at Stellenbosch University to serving as Professor and Head of Composition and Theory at the University of Cape Town until 2022, where he inspired generations of musicians and composers.
https://hendrikhofmeyr.wixsite.com/mysite
