Finalist: Cobus du Toit

Praised for his crystal-like tone and musical individuality, Cobus du Toit is quickly establishing himself as one of the leading flutists of his generation. Competitions which Cobus has won include the UNISA Performers Licentiate Competition, the CFA Orchestral Excerpt Competition, the Boulder Philharmonic Young Artist Competition, the Beeld Eisteddfod, the Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Competition, the Byron Hester Flute Competition and the SAMRO International Music Scholarship Competition. Competitions where Cobus has won the woodwind category prize include the Port Elizabeth National Youth Music Competition and the ATKV Musique Competition.

Having already performed as a soloist with the Kwazulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of South Africa, University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra, the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, Cobus also prides himself as being a performer of new/contemporary music having played in world premieres by noted composers such as Stefans Grove, Paul Hembree, James Rich, David Childs, Daniel Kellogg and John Drumheller.

Cobus held the principal position in the National Youth Orchestra of South Africa which toured to Germany for the Beethoven Festival in Bonn. While in Germany, Cobus also performed at noted venues such as the Berlin Philharmonie under conductor Herbert Blomstedt. Other orchestral experience includes the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of South Africa, Boulder Chamber Orchestra, University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra and the University of Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

Cobus also performed in productions at Klein Karoo National Arts Festival in Oudtshoorn as well as productions at Aardklop in Potchefstroom in South Africa. Cobus can also be heard on Gypsy Violin, recorded under the Salon Music label with Gina Beukes, principal violist of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Cobus is currently the flute player of the Antero Winds, a Colorado based woodwind quintet which also serves as the Woodwind Quintet in residence with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra.

Cobus holds a Bachelors degree from the University of Pretoria where he studied flute under Professor John Hinch and is currently pursuing a Master's degree from the University of Colorado where he studies under Christina Jennings.