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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

One from UFS elected as Vice-President of ASAQS
2015-04-20

Stephen Ramabodu and Dr Marléne Campbell, Stephen’s promotor during his studies.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

The university is very proud of the election of Dr Stephan Ramabodu, from the Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management, as Vice-President and the chairman of the fees committee of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS).

ASAQS aims to advance and promote the science and practice of quantity surveying, uphold the dignity of the quantity surveying profession, and promote the high standards of professional competence and integrity, among other things. Members of the ASAQS receive guidance and resources to succeed in quantity surveying, and to stay abreast of developments in the built environment today and in the future.

The ASAQS also provides an environment in which professionals may learn, grow, and work together to advance the techniques and science of quantity surveying. The ASAQS include quantity surveying professionals from every area of the construction industry, from private practice, government and quasi-government organisations to construction companies.

Stephan completed his quantity surveying (QS) degree as well as a master’s degree in Land and Property Management at the University of the Free State. In 2014, he completed his PhD, making him the first black South African PhD holder in the Department and one of the few QS PhD holders nationwide. 

In 2002, Stephen was appointed as a lecturer in the Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management under a programme called Grow Your Own Timber. He went to gain some commercial experience in Cape Town, where he worked for Davis Langdon. In 2008, he came back to the Free State, where he established Ramabodu & Associates Later that year, he returned to the university as a lecturer to complete all the remaining milestones of the Grow Your Own Timber programme.

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