Alexander Fokkens’ extensive experience, both local and international, his professionalism, and his intense passion for music have led to him becoming one of the most sought-after conductors in South Africa
He has spent the last 20 years exploring ways to make music with people from all walks of life and a variety of backgrounds.
His conducting has seen him on many different podiums ranging from those in front of professional orchestras all over the world to string ensembles made up of 12 year old musicians. In each and every performance, residency or workshop, he strives to achieve his goal of creating a sense of community in the music making and engaging the souls of the performers in the final performance. People find the answers that they seek in life in the music that they experience, be it playing or listening. He believes that as an artist, it is his responsibility to help people on their individual journeys to find their answers.
After returning to South Africa from the USA in 2005, Alexander was involved in many different areas of classical music in South Africa , and held a number of posts including Artistic Director and CEO of the Free State Symphony Orchestra, conductor of the Free State Youth Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of the Symphony Choir of Cape Town, Music Director and Conductor of the University of Cape Town String Ensemble and Symphonic Band and Resident Conductor of the University of Cape Town Symphony Orchestra.
Graduating from the University of Cape Town in 1998 with a BMus in Orchestral Studies (Double Bass), Alexander then went to America and furthered his studies at Texas Christian University, where he obtained his Masters in Double Bass performance and completed 3 years of Studies in Theory and Conducting.
Alexander left South Africa once again in the middle of 2021 to take up the position as Head of Music at the Alabama School of Fine Arts in the USA .
"All the answers are in the music" 