Fine Music at Wits Chris Seabrooke Hall: See All the Upcoming Concerts

Wits University launched its centenary campaign with the opening of the state-of-the-art Wits Chris Seabrooke Music Hall. Formerly a patch of ivy-entangled pavement where Joburg’s first gold miners resided, the music hall reflects an innovative transformation into a contemporary and sophisticated space. Its foyer is a converted heritage building. The establishment of the music hall was enabled by its namesake, businessman and Wits alumnus, Mr Chris Seabrooke. Read more about the space.

All about the Wits Chris Seabrooke Music Hall

The Wits Chris Seabrooke Music Hall is the only purpose-built live music hall with a modern acoustic design in Johannesburg. It is designed specifically for musical performances.

While there are several venues in Johannesburg that can accommodate both staged and musical performances, this music hall is the only space of any size in the city that is exclusively designed to optimise live musical sound with modern acoustic design.

Wits University is as much a part of Joburg’s history as gold mining is. The University’s Braamfontein Campus is part of the City’s cultural arc that spans Constitution Hill, via the Nelson Mandela Bridge, to Newtown. Wits is an anchor in this cultural precinct as it is home to the Wits Art Museum, the Origins Centre, the Wits Theatre Complex, the Planetarium and a host of other museums and cultural amenities.

Wits Standard Bank Piano Festival music festivals in Johannesburg | What's On in Joburg — Hilton Schilder photographed by Siphiwe Mhlambi, and Thandi Ntuli

The Wits Standard Bank Piano Festival

After a successful launch last year, the second annual Wits Standard Bank Piano Festival takes place from 8 to 10 May at the Chris Seabrooke Music Hall at Wits University. This three-day music festival brings together eight leading pianists across four double-bill concerts, celebrating classical piano traditions.

South Africa’s jazz piano legacy is deeply rooted in a distinctive musical heritage, making a dedicated platform like this especially fitting. Alongside this, a lineup of local talent and a programme of both classical and contemporary works pays tribute to the piano’s European origins, offering a balanced and thoughtful showcase of the instrument’s range.

See the full artist lineup here