Weekend Argus Reporter | Published 37 minutes ago
A Grade 12 learner from Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard is making significant strides in the city’s classical music landscape, having secured a spot in the prestigious Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Wind Orchestra.
Alexander “Sasha” Cohen, 17, joined the pre-professional ensemble, part of the Cape Town Youth Philharmonic Orchestra , in February 2026. Performing as the second saxophonist, Sasha now contributes to a high-level orchestra typically composed of musicians aged 18 to 25. “This is significant for me, as this group still plays at a professional level even though they are young,” Sasha said of his new role.
His journey to the orchestra involved a rigorous selection process, requiring both a prepared solo piece and a set work, followed by an interview detailing his musical background. His path to the orchestra has been defined by both transition and dedication. Originally a clarinetist from the age of eight, he switched to the saxophone in Grade 8, a decision he credits to the instrument better aligning with his temperament. He cites his saxophone teacher, Cara Pearce, as a pivotal influence, noting that she encouraged him to focus on the intrinsic joy of music rather than academic or external validation.
A turning point for the young musician came during the COVID-19 pandemic. A temporary hiatus from playing clarified his commitment to the art form, pushing him to pursue his craft with renewed vigor. The orchestral environment has proven to be a transformative space for Cohen. “The most surprising thing is how magical it is to be ‘inside’ the music,” he reflected. “I have never been in an environment where I am surrounded by so many instruments playing at once. It feels as if you are the music, and not something you are just listening to.” Sasha has also performed alongside the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, an experience he described as playing “side by side with real music masters.”
Balancing the pressures of his final school year with the demands of the orchestra requires significant discipline. Sasha maintains a structured daily routine, prioritising his academic studies before dedicated practice sessions, with rehearsals on Saturday mornings. He notes that the discipline required for orchestral performance has positively impacted his personal growth. “For the first time ever, other people are relying on me to know my part, so that together we can form a concordant whole,” Sasha said.
He credits his school, Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard, and his music teacher, Stephen Deck, for providing the necessary support to nurture his talent. Looking forward, Sasha plans to continue his musical journey alongside tertiary studies in neuropsychology, with a specific interest in the intersection of music and the brain. “I hope to keep playing in ensembles and orchestras for the rest of my life,” he said.
Weekend Argus
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