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The University of the Free State (UFS) choir will make its historic debut at the 5^th European Choir Games, which will take place in Norrköping, Sweden from 28 October to 5 November 2023.

But before jetting off to the Scandinavian country, the UFS choristers will serenade University staff and students on Friday, 20 October with a ‘bon voyage’ concert at the Odeion auditorium on the Bloemfontein campus.

“The choir will perform a diverse programme of music by distinguished 21^st-century composer Ola Gjeilo as well as light pieces, including folk music arrangements and work by the late Miriam Makeba,” UFS choirmaster Werner Stander said. “The programme will speak to both the classical and the contemporary choir music lover. We will also be performing superb choral music by South African composers Christo Burger and Mbuso Ndlovu.”

Stander is looking forward to the choir being on the international stage, and sees the games as an opportunity to expand “our playground and showcase our beautiful developing choir”.

Selecting the singers

In preparation for the competition, choir members were chosen from all three campuses after a selection process that required prospective choristers to study a piece of music with their respective choral conductors. Auditions were held in May to select an elite group of 72 singers who will fly out on 27 October.

Other than its eclectic repertoire, what sets the UFS choir apart from its competitors is its unique sound and energy, and a visual component that gives versatility to the performance.

A diverse repertoire

The choir will participate in two categories.

“In the Music of Spirit and Faith category, we will present a balanced programme that ranges from the music of Ola Gjeilo to music in Hebrew with excellent polyphony and a piece called ‘Moshe’ by Christo Burger,” Stander explained. “The latter piece explores soundscape techniques and modern choral experimental sounds, and it ends with a well-known Northern Sotho hymn. We will also take part in the Folklore category, where we will showcase staple African choral music, newly arranged and presented with flair and soul.”

Beaming with excitement about the upcoming trip, final-year student Nhlakanipho Gumede said, “I started with spiritual cleansing, learning the music and making sure that I attended every rehearsal and camp, ensuring that I am up to date with everything and giving my best so that when we are in Sweden, I can shed the stage fright.”

“I am looking forward to meeting other choirs and participating in workshops with other conductors,” said soprano Inneke Vermuelen, who has a master’s in Classical Studies. “I also hope to learn how to sing without straining my voice and getting tired, pick up tips and tricks from other conductors to improve as a singer, and for the choir to continue learning and growing.”

UFS choir as an ‘agent of change’

Stander believes the event is an opportunity for choir members to be ‘choral agents of change’. “Our music will inspire and motivate others to a life of excellence,” he said.

“The experience of the European Choir Games will change the lives of all the participants,” Stander added. “To get a sense of international standards and see nations coming together to sing will build confidence and establish lifelong friendships.”

Final-year BCom Accounting student Ernest Biyashe thanked UFS and the conductors for their support.

“It starts at the top,” Biyashe said. “We move with the energy that is transferred to us by the conductors that are leading us. It has got us this far – most of us did not even know how to read notes when we started. It has been an amazing experience, and we are calling on the UFS community to support us.”

“This is a manifestation of a long-standing dream that began in 2021 to participate in the Sing for Gold cup and the World Choir Games,” said Lucy Sehloho, Officer in the Arts and Culture Office. “This led to a decision to focus on getting the choir to a world standard sound while retaining an authentic African sound.”

The choir’s participation in the European Choir Games is not only a chance to represent UFS on the world stage, but also South Africa and South African higher education. It is also an achievement for the Division of Student Affairs, as it showcases how co-curricular and extra-curricular programmes have had an impact on student life and overall development.