The Endler Concert Series in collaboration with the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival presents the official opening of DISA – DECODA Institute South Africa – on Saturday 24 June at 20h00 at the Endler Hall, Stellenbosch.

DECODA is the first ever affiliate ensemble of Carnegie Hall, the iconic music hall complex in the heart of New Your City. The DECODA ensemble has performed worldwide to critical acclaim. In addition to their performances the musicians that make up the ensemble have developed a unique educational programme whereby students broaden their artistic and communicative skills in bringing their music to ever-larger audiences.

The first South African DECODA Institute will take place in collaboration with the SICMF from 24 to 28 June, after which a number of DECODA musicians, including oboist, James Austin Smith, well known to SICMF audiences, will stay on as faculty members of the 2017 SICMF.

On 24 June, Smith will be joined by top international musicians including Catherine Gregory (flute), Alicia Lee (clarinet), Brad Balliett (bassoon), Laura Weiner (French horn), Siwoo Kim (violin), Meena Bhasin (viola), Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir (cello) and Kris Saebo (double bass) in a varied programme including works by Mendelssohn, Ligeti, Ravel, Gould, Prokofiev and following the interval Brahms’ Serenade No. 1 in D Major, Op. 11.