We recently featured Matthew for smashing a 100km charity run. Now he’s gone viral! Not for another ultramarathon, but for an unbelievable violin recital at school!
Cape Town, South Africa (01 December 2025) – A pupil at Zandvliet High School in Cape Town had netizens’ jaws on the floor after his recent performance of Moonlight Sonata at school. The clip of his classroom recital has gone viral with over 230,000 views since being shared a week ago.
Macassar’s Matthew du Toit performed Beethoven’s masterpiece for his classmates, not for a project or marks, but to show them that anything is possible.
“I wanted to show kids at school that nothing is limited, and it’s never too late to learn. Not just the violin but anything. It also gave them a taste of classical music in real life, and how moving it can be.”
The performance is absolutely incredible, but so is the story about the boy behind the strings.
Matthew is a student at Zandvliet High, a violinist, and an ultramarathon runner. He took on music and running at fourteen, inspired to make a positive change in his life.
“I ran in primary school but didn’t like it much. I then forgot about it and got into the wrong stuff. But a few years ago, I made a positive turn. Just after Christmas, it’ll be five years since music and running helped me gain everything back.”
Music felt natural because it runs in the family. Matthew’s dad, Danwer – one of his greatest inspirations – has played the violin for three decades. And his aunt, Vanessa, taught him everything he knows.
“I always watched my dad play violin, he’s the reason for my playing today. My aunt, also musically gifted, took me under her wing, and I never looked back.”
Matthew and his dad playing together:
“By listening to classical music, you can gain insight into the art, values, and emotions of different eras and societies. It’s my emotional enrichment,” he shares. “Music isn’t just music, it is a way to bring people together and have fellowship with another.”
And then there’s running.
Before 20, Matthew has conquered seven half marathons. He’s faced the Sportsmans Warehouse Winelands Marathon, Intercare Blouberg Marathon, LCE Weskus Marathon, and the Two Oceans.
Just two months ago, he smashed a 100km marathon in support of the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
Local runners are Matthew ‘Crazy Sharky’ Du Toit’s greatest inspirations.
“Jan Du Toit is a family member from Eersterivier and my greatest running mentor. He explains everything to me, shows me right from wrong. He’s claimed victories in the Two Oceans and Comrades. Paul Eichert, also known as The Crazy Kiwi from Somerset West, is another great role model. He completed a 400km ultra marathon earlier this year for charity, and that inspired me to run the 100km.”
And then there’s Jordin, his girlfriend and motivator.
“Jordin is my number one idol. When l don’t feel like practicing, she’ll encourage me. ‘Just put on your shoes and run, you’ll forget everything.’”
Looking forward, Matthew has his goals set on joining the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and conquering even greater marathons.
“My plan for the future is to take music to another level and build a career out of it.” he says. “I’m also looking at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, and perhaps the Intercare Blouberg Full Marathon. l have the Berlin Marathon on my mind too…”
A viral clip may have put him on South Africa’s radar, but the drive and dedication behind it all make Matthew’s story one to keep a close eye on.
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