Classical Music: Stellenbosch University Choir
2 October, 19:00
Endler Hall
The Stellenbosch University (SU) choir continues to demonstrate why it holds a world-renowned status, delivering an outstanding performance in its second sold-out auditorium this week. What truly set this performance apart was their masterful fusion of diverse musical genres, alongside a carefully curated selection of songs in various languages. This variety showcased not only their vocal versatility but also their ability to bridge cultures through music.
Performing at the Endler Hall for this year’s Woordfees, the SU choir delivered an 80-minute show that ended with a standing ovation.
The Stellenbosch University (SU) choir is made up of 95 to 120 SU students from multiple academic disciplines performing, despite tests and projects being due. André van der Merwe, the choir’s conductor, emphasised this point at the choir’s Woordfees performance on 2 October. PHOTO: Supplied/Mark Cloete
A twist and a turn
Although the choir is part of the festival’s classical music genre, their choice of songs offered a refreshing departure from traditional expectations. The programme consisted of 11 songs that ranged from classic South African hits, like The Crossing by Johnny Clegg, to Balleilakka, a love song from Indian cinema.
The choir’s blend of such diverse musical genres strengthened the overall quality of their performance and exposed the audience to a wide range of music. The programme was executed well, with the students’ voices blending together to produce a beautifully united sound.
Having conducted the choir for over 22 years, André van der Merwe shared anecdotal stories of his life with the audience throughout the choir’s performance. Through personal stories of his childhood in the Karoo, Van der Merwe emphasised the importance of ensuring that the choir continued to grow as South African democracy advanced.
In doing so, the vast array of languages and genres of the songs that the choir chose to perform felt more than fitting, and their execution of such a variety was even more impressive. The audience was also treated to a surprise rendition of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, which ended the performance in a truly South African way.
The Stellenbosch University choir’s Woordfees programme consisted of 11 songs that ranged from classic South African hits, like The Crossing by Johnny Clegg, to Balleilakka, a love song from Indian cinema. PHOTO: Amy Lindstrom
Balancing university life
In one of his many candid interactions with the audience, Van der Merwe reiterated the fact the SU choir is made up solely of students.
He praised their willingness and enthusiasm to contribute to the choir, amongst their other commitments, which was a sentiment that only enhanced appreciation for the choir’s performance.
The SU choir’s performance included percussion instruments for some of the songs, also played by students in the choir. Furthermore, their performance of Balleilakka included choreography created and directed by two of the choir members.
Overall, the SU choir continues to elevate the standard of choral music. Tickets to their last two Woordfees shows are sold out, so those interested should keep an eye out for any future scheduled performances.
The Stellenbosch University choir’s 80-minute Woordfees performance on 2 October ended with a surprise rendition of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, a song that was not included in their programme for the evening, and resulted in a standing ovation from the sold-out Endler Hall audience. VIDEO: Amy Lindstrom