Over the half-term break, Motshwane Pege, orchestral percussion and marimba band teacher, travelled to Germany to attend the world premiere of his double choir work, Angele Dei (transl.: Angel of God), winning second prize in Category A of the prestigious 20th Musica Sacra Nova Composer’s Competition. The premiere took place at the historic Brauweiler Abbey in June, performed by the acclaimed Polski Chór Kameralny under the direction of Jan Łukaszewski. The event was a surreal experience for Motshwane, as his composition received resounding applause.
Music has been a central part of Motshwane's life for as long as he can remember. His journey began with singing in choir from Grade 1 and continued through to today. His passion for percussion, however, took root in Grade 7 at the Drakensberg Boys Choir School. While he was offered a range of instruments to learn at school, he broke away from the conventional choices like piano, violin, or guitar. Percussion, encompassing instruments like the timpani, bass drum, snare drum, xylophone, glockenspiel, vibraphone, and marimba, captivated him.
His high school years at Hilton College further solidified his commitment to percussion. At Hilton, he played in the school orchestra and jazz band, with a particular focus on the marimba. This decision, made over a decade ago, set the trajectory of his musical career. He earned his Grade 8 percussion certificate with distinction through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) syllabus. This achievement was a stepping stone to pursuing a Bachelor of Music specializing in Orchestral Percussion and Composition from the University of Pretoria.
Graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, initially halting his musical journey. However, as the world reopened, Motshwane seized every opportunity he could to share his music globally. In 2022, he began entering international composition competitions, and to his delight, he won 2nd prize in his first competition, the Chorus Austin’s International Composer’s Competition in Texas. This milestone encouraged him to continue pursuing his passion.
Later that year, he entered another competition hosted by Ensemble Altera, an internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble, and was awarded first prize. This victory led to a trip to Boston, Massachusetts, for the world premiere of his work, marking his first visit to the United States. This success made him realize the global interest in his music, prompting him to enter more competitions. He placed in the top three in competitions hosted by the Busan Choir Festival in South Korea and the International Federation of Choral Music. He had the honour of writing for the International Orange Chorale of San Francisco.
During St John’s College’s half-term break, Motshwane travelled to Germany for the world premiere of his double choir work, Angele Dei, at the historic Brauweiler Abbey in June 2024. The piece, performed by the acclaimed Polski Chór Kameralny under Jan Łukaszewski, received resounding applause, and Motshwane was presented with a certificate of congratulations. He was also interviewed by German radio and met influential figures in classical and choral music, including Stephen Layton, MBE, conductor of the renowned Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, and esteemed Polish composer Paweł Łukaszewski.
"The experience was surreal and profoundly inspiring," said Motshwane. "All my recorded music, including this work, is available on YouTube. This event has solidified my belief in the power and reach of my music."
This recognition confirms his music and its place on the world stage. It connects people worldwide with his compositions, showcasing South Africa’s contributions to classical and choral music. In some competitions, he was the only participant from Africa, highlighting the significance of his work. This exposure has led to collaborations with esteemed musicians and choirs eager to add his compositions to their repertoire and commission new works. "This prize opens doors and propels my career forward, bringing my music to a broader audience," he remarked.
The St John’s College music department has been incredibly supportive of Motshwane's career, encouraging him to seize opportunities and travel for his music. He loves teaching as much as he loves composing. Teaching and interacting with talented and inspired students brings him immense joy and fulfilment. "Both roles complement each other, providing inspiration and balance in my life. It’s not difficult to manage these worlds because they both bring me so much happiness. Working in a supportive and joyful environment greatly contributes to my inspiration and productivity as a composer," Motswhane shared.
Motshwane Pege's journey from a young choir singer to an internationally acclaimed composer has been shaped by passion, dedication, and the unwavering support of his mentors and peers. Each milestone, from his early days in percussion to the global recognition of his compositions, has reinforced his belief in the power of music to connect and inspire. As he continues to compose and teach, Pege looks forward to sharing his music with an ever-growing audience, contributing to the rich tapestry of global classical and choral music.
