THE University of Johannesburg Choir is set to perform across Johannesburg in an International Concert Series featuring other choirs from Switzerland, France and the United States – from May 9 to 23rd.
Set for performances at the Melville Kruisgemeente (on the 9th), Aan Die Berg NG Kerk (on the 13th), Fountainebleau Community Church (on the 16th) and Domus Dei (on the 23rd) – the programme will feature the University of Johannesburg Choir, Knabenkantorei Basel (Switzerland), Le Choeur du Petit Conservatoire de l’Est (France) and Morgan State University Choir and Hendricks Chapel Choir (USA).
Each concert will be led by a different ensemble, with its own repertoire, sound and performance approach. A focused programme, the ensembles are shaped by distinct musical traditions and performance styles.
Each performance brings a different sound into the venue, shaped by the choirs, the repertoire and the space. The series builds across these contrasts, offering audiences a range of choral traditions delivered with a consistent level of discipline and musical standard. Choral music aficionados will have the opportunity of experiencing the series across multiple dates.
The University of Johannesburg Choir stands as a beacon of musical excellence. It consists of eighty students from the university who study a range of disciplines – excluding music. Excelling in both Western and African choral repertoire, the multiple award-winning choir prides itself in artistic innovation and musical integrity.
Switzerland’s Knabenkantorei Basel is one of Europe’s historic boys’ choirs, tracing its origins back to 1927. The distinguished ensemble performs a wide-ranging repertoire from Renaissance a cappella works to Romantic and contemporary choral literature.
The choir has participated at international music festivals and serves as a proud musical ambassador for the cultural city of Basel.
France’s Le Choeur du Petit Conservatoire de l’Est is a vibrant ensemble made up of singers known for their eclectic repertoire blending traditional European choral techniques with adventurous musical choices which bring expressive energy to concerts.
Morgan State University Choir is one of America’s acclaimed collegiate choral ensembles celebrated for its powerful vocal artistry and engagement with classical, Gospel and culturally rooted repertoire. Over the years, the choir has toured globally while emphasising the historic significance of spirituals and breadth of choral tradition.
Hendricks Chapel Choir constitutes one of the United States’ collegiate choral ensembles rooted in liturgical and sacred music. With a reputation for commitment to musical excellence, the choir combines classical works with contemporary spiritual repertoire.
The UJ Choir International Concert Series is hosted by the UJ Arts & Culture faculty, whose programmes align with the University of Johannesburg’s vision of an international university anchored in Africa – and which, inter alia, offers the general public an opportunity to engage with Pan-African and international artists.
Tickets for what promises to be three successive weekends of musical fest are available on quicket.co.za
