Stellenbosch University Choir

Stellenbosch University Choir (Afrikaans: Stellenbosch Universiteitskoor) is a choir attached to Stellenbosch University. Founded in 1936, it is the oldest choir in South Africa. [cite web| url = http://student.sun.ac.za/koor/| title = Stellenbosch University Choir| accessdate = 2007-03-02] The current conductor, André van der Merwe, was appointed at the beginning of 2003.

The Stellenbosch University Choir has toured overseas extensively and won critical acclaim for its performances. The choir is viewed as a leading South African choral ensemble.

A definite highlight was when the choir was announced as the overall winners of the category for Youth Choirs at the World Choir Games in Bremen, Germany in July 2004.

Another highlight for the choir in 2004 was their participation with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra in Sinfonia Africana by Capetonian composer Hendrik Hofmeyr. This groundbreaking symphony (with an Afrikaans text) is scored for soprano, choir and orchestra.

In the South African context, it becomes increasingly important to reach out to choirs in less fortunate communities. From the beginning of 2005 the choir hosts an orphan children's choir from Kayamandi - not only teaching music skills to the children, but also making the University Choir aware of the value of community service.

The choir's newest CD, Illumina, was released in 2006 and features old and new music, including new works by South African composers.

List of conductors

* William Morris (1936-1939)
* Gawie Cillié (1940-1954)
* Philip McLachlan (1955-1976)
* Johan de Villiers (1977-1984)
* Acáma Fick (1985-1992)
* Sonja van der Walt (1993-2002)
* André van der Merwe (2003-)

Notable Achievements

2004

In July of 2004, the choir won the category "Youth Choirs" at the World Choir Games in Bremen, Germany.

2008

In July of 2008, the choir participated in the World Choir Games [cite web| url = http://www.musica-mundi.com/index.php?id=wcg2008/| title = Musica Mundi: World Choir Games| accessdate = 2008-08-09] in Graz, Austria where they received three gold medals in the three categories in which they participated. The choir was amongst 22 other choirs from South Africa who were selected to participate in this competition of more then 400 choirs. They won the category "Musica Sacra: Open Category" with 92,7% and placed second in the category "Gospel & Spiritual" with 92,5%. In the category "Mixed Youth Choirs", the choir came in fourth with 88%.

Repertoire

2008

Aandlied (Tradisioneel Afrikaans) - arr. André van der Merwe( In memory of prof Elize Botha)

Dies Irae - Alberto Balzanelli (b. 1941, Argentina)

Anima Christi - Ryan Cayabyab (b. 1954, Philippines)

The Birth of Orc - Hendrik Hofmeyr (b. 1957, South Africa)(Commissioned for the World Choir Games)

Laudate Dominum - Giedrius Svilainis (b. 1972, Lithuania)

Lauda Sion - György Orbán (b. 1947, Hungary)

Pie Jesu - Hendrik Hofmeyr (b. 1957, South Africa)(In memoriam Laura Searle)

Lord, Lord God - Giedrius Svilainis (b. 1972, Lithuania)

Gloria - Hyo-Won Woo (b. 1974, Korea)

I can tell the World - arr. Moses Hogan (1957 - 2003, USA)

Amazing Grace - arr. Eriks Esenvalds (b. 1977, Latvia)

Who built the Ark? - arr. Moses Hogan (1957 - 2003, USA) John the Revelator - arr. Paul Caldwell / Sean Ivory (USA)

References