Introducing our new orchestra conductor, Mr Jaco van Staden
St Mary’s DSG is thrilled to welcome Mr Jaco van Staden as the new conductor of our orchestra. Jaco, a highly accomplished musician, conductor, and educator, brings a wealth of experience and passion for music to our school community.
Jaco holds a Master of Music (MMus) degree in Performing Arts from the University of Pretoria and a Teacher’s Licentiate in French horn (Unisa). He is pursuing a Doctorate in chamber music performance under the guidance of Prof. Clorinda Panebianco at the University of Pretoria. His journey into orchestral conducting began under the mentorship of Dutch conductor Gerben Grooten from 2012 to 2017. Jaco further refined his skills through masterclasses with renowned conductors such as Daniel Boico, Victor Yampolsky, and Prof. Mark Stringer at the University of Music and Arts in Vienna and through private tuition with Prof. Georg Mark at the Vienna Volksoper.
In addition to his academic and conducting achievements, Jaco is an accomplished French horn player. He has performed as principal horn with the MIAGI Orchestra at prestigious international festivals, including the Verbier Festival, Young Euro Classic Festival, Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele, and Toblach Mahler Festival. Domestically, he regularly collaborates with esteemed South African orchestras, including the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO), KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra (KZNPO), and Gauteng Philharmonic Orchestra (GPO).
Jaco’s extensive conducting experience includes serving as the principal conductor of the Pretoria Symphony Orchestra since November 2018. He is also the co-founder and conductor of the FAK Youth Symphony Orchestra, where he has led significant performances at the Voortrekker Monument since October 2022. As a guest conductor, Jaco has worked with major orchestras such as the JPO and GPO, showcasing his exceptional ability to lead diverse musical ensembles.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jaco is a dedicated educator. He teaches brass instruments at Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool and Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool and lectures in French horn and trumpet at the University of Pretoria.
We are honoured to have Jaco join the St Mary’s DSG family, where his expertise and enthusiasm will undoubtedly enrich our musical programme. We look forward to the incredible concerts and performances he will lead and extend our best wishes for his journey with us.
