Appointed in April 2024 as the conductor of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra Youth Wind Ensemble, Charlene Verster brings a wealth of dedication and experience with her. She has been involved with the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre since 1992, initially as a clarinet student, teaching there full time since 2001, and becoming conductor of the Hugo Lambrechts Senior Wind Band (previously the Hugo Lambrechts Symphonic Wind Orchestra) in 2011.

Charlene completed her BMus degree through UNISA as well as her UTLM and UPLM on Clarinet. She was introduced to conducting by her father who was a choir conductor in the New Apostolic Church. During her student years at Hugo Lambrechts, she was nurtured by her mentors and regularly participated in conductors’ workshops.