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Kristi Boonzaaier was awarded his BMus degree cum laude at Stellenbosch University in 2015. His courses included conducting studies with Corvin Matei and Martin Berger. He then completed his MMus under Hans Roosenschoon in March 2018, specialising in composition. He is also a highly proficient clarinettist, having received lessons from Arissa Voges, Maria du Toit and Justin Carter. He played principal clarinet in the Stellenbosch University Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble and was awarded a distinction for his ABRSM and UNISA clarinet grade 8 examinations.

As a conductor, Kristi has received master classes from numerous renowned conductors, including Arjan Tien and Rik Ghesquière, and conducted the KOMPOS orchestra and the Stellenbosch University Symphonic Wind Ensemble in 2012 and 2013 respectively in performances in the Endler Hall. He also conducted a choral work at the KOMPOS chamber concert in 2013 and is much in demand for his compositions and arrangements. He was the 2015 and 2016 recipient of the Hans Roosenschoon and SAMRO bursary.

Kristi also served on the shadow jury of the Artscape Youth Music Competition in 2015. He has had many performances of his works by ensembles such as the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, the Stellenbosch University Chamber Choir, the Horizons Choir Project, the Odeion String Quartet, and various other student-initiative-driven ensembles (KOMPOS). He is also involved with film music composition and has done work for kykNet’s Silwerdoek Skermfees. Currently he is teaching composition and orchestration at Stellenbosch University.