The UFS Bloemfontein Campus Choir is gearing up for its highly anticipated Gala Concert, set to take place on 27 September at the Odeion Auditorium on the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Bloemfontein Campus.
Werner Stander, the accomplished conductor of the UFS Bloemfontein Campus Choir, oversees rehearsals, curates the repertoire, and ensures the choir is ready to enchant audiences with their harmonious performances. Stander, along with the talented accompanist, Dr Frelét de Villiers, leads this exceptional group of young musicians.
The choir operates under the Arts & Culture segment of student affairs, under the guidance of Lucy Sehloho. “The Campus Choir will perform an eclectic programme of music from the great composers like George Frideric Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Carl Orff, and music by the very distinguished 21st-century composer, Ola Gjeilo from Norway. Lighter numbers will include folk music arrangements, a famous Israeli tune, and music of Miriam Makeba and Johannes Kerkorrel.
We have a programme that will speak to the classical as well as the contemporary choir music lover. And of course, our traditional South African music section is one of our highlights. We will also be performing superb choral music by South African composers, Christo Burger and Mbuso Ndlovu,” said Stander. The choir has been hard at work throughout the year.
“We have two weekly rehearsals and regular extra rehearsals during weekends and holidays. The choir is a committed bunch of young students, and they also did a lot of individual practising and rehearsing with choir tracks,” said Stander.
He hopes that the audience will take away a message of positivity and delight from the UFS Bloemfontein Campus Choir’s performance at the Gala Concert. “The students of the Bloemfontein Campus Choir bring a unique energy to the choral music they sing, and their eagerness to learn and explore new music shines through in the performances. They always pass on the message of peace, love, kindness, and joy in their music. The choir leaves no audience member untouched. Their faces light up when they sing, and one cannot help but enjoy the harmonious sounds with them,” he said.
Make sure not to miss this spectacular musical event that starts at 17:30 in the Odeion Auditorium on the UFS Campus. Tickets (R50 and R100) are available from choristers and at the doors
Justine Fortuin
justine@mahareng.co.za
