At just 22 years old, Katlego Raditlhalo, affectionately known as “Kat Onist”, is making waves in the world of classical music as the Second Violin Principal of the North West University Symphony Orchestra (NWUSO).
Born in Soweto and raised in Ga-Rankuwa, Raditlhalo’s journey as a musician is a testament to her passion, resilience and unwavering determination.
Her musical roots run deep, with her early years steeped in the rich sounds of jazz, thanks to her grandparents.
“I spent my early years in Soweto until I was six, then moved to Pretoria to live with my parents.
“My grandparents introduced me to jazz at a young age, which shaped my musical ear as I often find my grandfather playing old jazz records while reading the newspaper during my weekday stays with them,” recalled Raditlhalo.
Her formal music journey began in Grade 4 when her teacher, Grace Sithole, selected her to learn the violin.
“I chose the violin, intrigued by its unique sound,” said Katlego, reminiscing about her first lesson with Mam Sithole.
This pivotal moment ignited a passion that would shape her life, leading her to study under various tutors, including Kgopolo Motlhatlhego and Ramarumo Mogogole.
However, the path wasn’t always smooth. After her tutors left for new opportunities, Raditlhalo faced the challenge of finding a new teacher in Ga-Rankuwa.
Undeterred, she began self-training and playing in her church, Jesus My Answer, where she connected with fellow musicians and found new mentors.
She said the determination to grow and adapt laid the foundation for her future successes.
Raditlhalo took on the role of Second Violin Principal at NWUSO this year, a position that showcases her exceptional talent and highlights her leadership abilities.
“I don’t encounter challenges in leadership because I approach it as a collective effort to overcome violin-playing challenges,” she explained.
Raditlhalo’s leadership extends beyond mere performance as she actively mentors her fellow violinists, providing constructive feedback and encouraging them to take ownership of their learning.
Her commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and artistic excellence within the orchestra is evident.
“I strive to inspire and influence the ensemble’s sound, working collaboratively with the concertmaster and other principals to shape our performances,” she said.
Her love for music is deeply personal, with a special affinity for Vivaldi’s works, particularly “L’Estro Armonico Concerto Op 3, No 8”.
“This piece resonates with me on a profound level, as it seems to express the depths of my inner soul because it highlights a balance of calm and dramatic moments that speaks to me as a musician,” shared Raditlhalo.
As she continues to grow and develop her craft, she remains grounded in her values.
“To young musicians, I would advise: stay curious, persistent, and patient.
“Embrace challenges, learn from failures, and cultivate a growth mindset.”
Outside of music, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and spending quality time with loved ones – all essential for maintaining a healthy balance in her life.
She also practises yoga and is eager to learn new languages.
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