“Over 100 kids here in Bloemfontein tried the bassoons this week,” said Dr Antonia Teibler, the Vienna-based bassoonist who brought specially made mini bassoons to local schools!
Bloemfontein, South Africa (10 November 2026) – The Bassoon Kick-Off Bloemfontein 2026 ran from 26 October to 1 November, hosted by the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Odeion School of Music in collaboration with Musicon, and funded by the Kultur Forum of the Austrian Embassy in Pretoria.
Vienna-based bassoonist and musicologist Dr Antonia Teibler led it as artistic director.
The idea came from Marius Coetzee, who looks after innovation and development at the school.
Bloemfontein already has bassoons and teachers, but not enough young players to keep the instrument thriving. Opportunities to study double-reed instruments like the bassoon and oboe are limited across South Africa, so the aim was to renew interest, build a base of young players and open a pathway to further music studies, including at UFS.
Teibler took the bassoon out of the concert hall and into schools. With specially designed mini bassoons that smaller hands can play, she visited Oranje-Meisieskool and the Bochabela Music Project.
“Over 100 kids here in Bloemfontein tried the bassoons this week,” she said, as per the university.
Those introductions were so well-received, some of the young participants said they’re keen to start lessons at Musicon next year!
“The first step is to build up a good base, to find children and students who really want to learn the instrument,” said Coetzee.
Two concerts at the Odeion Amphitheatre tied up the Basoon Kick-Off. The final matinee, Dancing with the Bassoon, brought local and international bassoonists and oboists together with a harpsichord. The programme included music by South African composers Allan Stephenson and 17-year-old Nico Smit – an inspiration for inspiring young players.
Related Stories
Port Alfred’s Jané Botha Takes on 12-Hour Swim for Sea Rescue
The Community and Compassion That Brought Back Little Mbali’s SmileTeibler hopes to return to the Free State city, and both organisers want this to be the start of something good. Bloem’s next generation of Bassoon players might be in bloom!
by 
