About Us
Cape Piano operates at the intersection of artistic excellence and community access. As a registered South African NPC, we provide a premier platform for performance and professional development through international competition, while enriching the cultural life of Cape Town through music education, instrument restoration, and meaningful outreach. We believe world-class music is a universal language, one capable of bridging cultures and inspiring the next generation.
Executive Leadership
Nina Schumann
Artistic Director
Nina Schumann is one of South Africa’s leading pianists, with an international career as both performer and educator. Beyond her performance career, Nina is widely regarded as a guiding force in South African classical piano. As Professor and Head of Piano at Stellenbosch University, and founder of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival and Piano Symposium, she has mentored generations of pianists.
Her generosity, insight, and commitment to young musicians have made her not only admired, but deeply respected and loved – a contribution that brings a distinctive and human depth to the Cape Piano festival.
Alex Andersson
Executive Director
Alex is an entrepreneur and owner of the family business Adamastor, which invests in technology, the arts and nature.
A lifelong follower of classical piano, he founded the Adamastor Classical Music Fund, supporting scholarships and initiatives that broaden access to classical music. Cape Piano emerged from this commitment, developed in collaboration with Nina Schumann.
Kate Rees
Financial Director
An experienced finance professional with a background that spans private equity, philanthropy and senior roles within single family offices.
Kate ensures a holistic balance sheet that integrates planning, capital allocation, investment managing, structuring, tax optimisation, governance and strategy.
Operations Team
Justine Gevisser
Head of Communications
Theresa van der Merwe
Administrative Assistant
Executive Advisory Committee
Francois du Toit
Associate Professor of Piano South African College of Music University of Cape Town
Pieter Grobler
Associate Professor of Piano Stellenbosch University
Esthea Kruger
Head of Piano
South African College of Music University of Cape Town
Competition Consultants
Peter Paul Kainrath
Artistic Director
Busoni Competition, Italy
Monika Torresan
Promotions
Busoni Competition, Italy
Silvia Torresin
Head of Piano
Development, Sponsoring
Busoni Competition, Italy
Adriaan Fuchs
CEO and Artistic Director
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
Pierre van der Westhuizen
Director of The Gilmore International Piano Festival, USA
Governance and Expertise
Cape Piano is guided by a commitment to the highest standards of non-profit governance. Our operations are led by Cape Piano Board’s strategic oversight and further strengthened by an accomplished advisory of international music consultants, active in the global arts sector. As a registered NPC, we adhere to the statutory requirements of the South African Companies Act.