07.31.10

I just received my first commission in the mail from the South African Composer, Alexander Johnson. Thank you to the South African Music Rights Organization for making this commission possible. Years ago I fell in love with a very simple lullaby I played on the piano by the same composer. After researching his music a little bit more I was immediately struck by his ability to cut straight to the emotional vulnerability of the music without becoming overly complicated and never concealing his soul.

The piece is a set of three pieces titled "Imicabango" (Impressions) and is about 13 minutes in length. The three movements are also titled independently with traditional African names: "Impumalanga" (Sunrise), "Isiduduzo" (Lullaby) and "Isikhwishikazana" (Little whirlwind). The piece has also already been prescribed as one of the choices for the Performance Licentiate Syllabus, a degree program presented by the University of South Africa. 

Being one of his students for three years, it is a great honor and privilege for me to commission a piece from this wonderful composer and mentor. To find out more about the composer or to purchase the piece, please visit: Alexander Johnson

09.17.09   

I just returned from the Hugo Kauder International Music Competition held in New Haven, CT. After a highly publicized final round, I am very grateful for receiving the third prize in the competition.
 
It was an incredible experience playing for, and speaking to the distinguished judges: Jeanne Baxtresser, Former Principal Flute with the New York Philharmonic; Doris Goltzer, Oboe and English horn of the New York City Opera; and Richard Stolzman, world-renowned clarinet soloist.
 
Two Hugo Kauder pieces was also prescribed for the competition. A Sonata for flute and piano and a solo flute Suite.
 
Ivan Danko was named as the winner and really was worthy of the prize. Ivan currently plays principal oboe in the Stuttgart Opera House. It was such a privilege to hear music making at a level that few musicians ever reach.
 
What a great experience!

04.29.09

Cobus just got accepted into the National Flute Association's Young Artist Compettion. The competition will take place during the second week of August 2009 in New York City.

03.23.09

Cobus just got accepted as a participant in the Sarasota Music Festival in Sarasota, Florida.

03.14.09

Cobus won the Byron Hester Flute Competition in Houston ,Texas. He will also be giving a recital at the Houston Flute Club's annual festival in 2010.

03.07.09

Cobus advanced as one of the finalists for the William Byrd Competition in Flint, MI and was one of the placewinners at the competition.

01.13.10

The Antero Winds will make their New York debut on the 18th of January at the New School  campus in New York City. Look under the Concerts tab for more information.

11.09.08

Cobus received an invitation for a live audition at the Metropolitan Opera for their principal flute chair. Auditions will take place during the first week of December in New York City.

09.13.08

Cobus made it to the final round of the Honors Concerto Competition at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO. Cobus performed the Nielsen Flute Concerto.

08.23.08

Cobus won the SAMRO Overseas Music Scholarship Competition in Johannesburg, South Africa. The competiiton took place at the University of Johannesburg during the final week of August.