From his first lockdown keyboard notes to a national stage, East London’s Gabriel du Toit is striking more than just chords, he’s making history as the only Eastern Cape finalist in the Atterbury National Piano Competition, taking place from October 22-26 in Pretoria.
The 16-year-old grade 11 Stirling High School pupil is one of just 13 finalists in the under-19 category.
For the competition, Gabriel will perform five pieces spanning centuries of piano music: Bach’s Prelude and Fugue No. 6 in D minor, Beethoven’s Sonata No. 10, Schumann’s Widmung, Rachmaninoff’s Étude Op. 33 No. 6, and Virtuoso 1 by SA composer Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph.
On preparing for competitions, Gabriel said his focus goes beyond precision. “I push for perfection, but the biggest thing I focus on is expression.
“Music conveys what words can’t. I aim to embody the characters, atmospheres and emotions in the pieces so that the audience can truly feel the music.”
His love for the piano began during the Covid-19 lockdown, when his mother, Karen, introduced him to a small keyboard.
“My true passion sparked once I started proper lessons in grade 8. Since then, performing for audiences has become the highlight of my journey,” he reflected. “My teacher, Jacques du Plesis, and I handpicked these pieces to suit my playing and personality, while also challenging my technique and musicality,” he said.
Karen said: “He caught on fast and was playing Beethoven’s Für Elise within no time, only to tell me the keyboard didn’t have enough keys; he needed a piano! We’ve always fully supported him, enrolling him for private lessons and attending all his performances.”
Du Plesis praised both Gabriel’s talent and discipline. “Gabriel has always shown a natural affinity for the piano and for music in general. He plays with both his head and his heart. Preparing for a competition of this calibre takes years of planning, time management, and careful development of repertoire. Gabriel has been exceptional in meeting these demands,” he said.
Among Gabriel’s proudest moments so far are his recent Eisteddfod performance, where he won most outstanding pianist, and his successful Atterbury audition.
Despite his demanding practice schedule, he prioritises school, often rehearsing at Stirling High during mornings and breaks, and continuing at home.
Stirling High principal Doug Prior said: “Being chosen as one of only 13 pupils in the U19 category is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Gabriel’s remarkable talent, discipline, and perseverance.
“We are proud of the dedication and hard work he has invested in his music, and we look forward to seeing him represent our school with excellence on this national stage.”
Looking ahead, Gabriel dreams of studying at Stellenbosch University and carving out a career as a performer, lecturer, and piano teacher. “I want to share my music with as many people as possible and help them experience the same emotions and magic I felt when I first listened to these recordings,” he said.
