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07 December 2023 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo SUPPLIED
Albertus Engelbrecht
Albertus Engelbrecht: Lecturer in Singing and Coordinator of Vocal Studies at the Odeion School of Music.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is gearing up to honour a new group of graduates during the upcoming graduation ceremonies on 7-8 December 2023. Among the distinguished individuals set to grace the stage is Albertus Engelbrecht, Coordinator of Vocal Studies at the Odeion School of Music and an internationally recognised opera singer with a career spanning over two decades.

Engelbrecht has achieved a significant milestone, completing his PhD thesis titled “The Journey of a Versatile Singer”. On 7 December 2023, he will formally receive his qualification, marking the culmination of a seven-year academic journey. Reflecting on this achievement, Engelbrecht expressed his relief, stating, “It’s all still so surreal, but I think that the moment I walk onto that stage, then, will it only sink in.’’  

The journey of a versatile singer

His thesis is an auto-ethnographic study that delves into the preparation and performance of five different styles and genres of Western art music. This unique approach includes a practical component, as he actively participated in five different concerts or performances, ultimately contributing to his research. He shared his motivation, stating, ‘’I was investigating how it would be possible to sing different kinds of Western art music styles and genres. The idea came from my professional experience, where I found that to become a successful opera and concert singer, it’s better for one to be able to do different styles and genres.’’  

Looking ahead, Engelbrecht envisions his research making a meaningful impact on the development of emerging singers. He aspires to shape the future of vocal education, stating, “I hope that my contribution leads to new knowledge not only for singers but for their teachers and vocal coaches. This is so that they can approach music in the way it is written, and to find ways which make the music speak the best way it can. In this way, singers can be more versatile.’’  

Future plans

Post-graduation, Engelbrecht has ambitious plans to further his growth within the industry. Expressing his goals, he said, ‘’I would like to grow not just as a performing artist but as a researcher too.” Currently collaborating with his former supervisor on a research project focusing on performance analysis, Engelbrecht aims to delve deeper into the research aspect of his profession. Additionally, as a Lecturer of Singing at the UFS, he looks forward to engaging in more performing projects with his students.

In recognition of Albertus Engelbrecht’s remarkable achievement, the UFS community congratulates him on this significant milestone. His dedication to the field of vocal studies and commitment to fostering versatility in music is truly commendable. 

News Archive

UFS student registration shows good progress
2005-01-31

The registration of students on the main campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) is on track and is progressing well. More than 2000 first-time entering first-year students have already registered.

“We are happy with the registration progress and have experienced no major problems. Other than last year, the registration of all students is taking place in the Callie Human Centre. A one stop service is available to students on the premises – among others advice on bursaries, loans, staff and council bursaries, enquiries for international students, information on class and room tables, student cards, vehicle permits etc, “said Mr Vernon Collett, Registrar: Academic Student Services at the UFS.

According to Mr Collett students are registered on the UFS’s new PeopleSoft

software programme, which was installed last year.

“In the past a student’s data had to be captured and he/she had to wait for a proof of registration. This prolonged the registration process. This year the Callie Human Centre was equipped with a complete data capturing centre comprising of 85 computers. Students no longer have to stand and wait for a proof of registration. An SMS is sent to the student per cell phone within 48 hours to confirm whether the registration was successful or not. Students can also track their registration information on the UFS web site,” said Mr Collett.

Senior undergraduate students may register until 29 January 2005 and postgraduate students, first-time entering first-year students and other students who applied for admission after 30 November 2004 until 15 January 2005 , may register from 31 January- 4 February 2005 according to a programme. Senior students who have not register yet, will also be allowed to register from 31 January 2005-4 February 2005 according to the scheduled programme.

According to Mr Collett postgraduate students who applied for admission from 15 January- 11 February 2005 , may register according to a programme from 7-11 February 2005. Students who want to change their field of study or want to amend their modules, may do so during this period.

“Pipeline students from Vista must register on the UFS’s Vista campus on the dates already mentioned and first-year students from Vista must register on the UFS’s main campus. These students, including students on the UFS’s Qwaqwa campus, may register until 11 February 2005 ,” said Mr Collett.

Lectures at the UFS’s main campus as well as the Vista- and Qwaqwa-campusses will commence on 31 January 2005 .

A complete registration programme is available on the UFS’s web site at www.uovs.ac.za.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
28 January 2005

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