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05 July 2023 | Story André Damons and Samkelo Fetile
VC Concert

2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Concert


The Vice-Chancellor’s Concert is a highlight on the University of the Free State (UFS) social calendar and one of the most anticipated events of the year. If last year is anything to go by, we are set for another entertaining night of music.

This year, the concert once again provides an opportunity for the talented UFS community to be part of this amazing showcase of musical performances. The Vice-Chancellor’s Concert is for everyone who loves music, singing, performing, and showing off their amazing talents.

Last year’s concert was a huge success, with performances by the Free State Youth Wind Ensemble, Tidimalo Mholo, the Odeion String Quartet, Mafusi Leseo, the trio of Du Preez Stoltz, Levert Solomons, and Riaan Naudé, and the Bloemfontein Children’s Choir conducted by Werner Stander. Sibongile Mngoma delivered a mind-blowing performance of the soulful, calm, and magical ‘Inner Peace’, making the song her own and ‘wowing’ the audience in the process. Mngoma was accompanied by Joseph Kunnuji on trumpet and Anton Esterhuyse on piano. Martinette Spoelstra performed the classic ‘River Deep, Mountain High’, followed by a first-rate performance of ‘Everything’ by Naledi Mohapi.

UFS alumnus, Dr Wilhelm Lichtenberg – a talented full-time practising cardiothoracic surgeon, also known as ‘the singing surgeon’ – also mesmerised the audience, while current UFS staff member, Dr Patricks Otomo, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Zoology and Entomology, captured the audience with his rendition of ‘Feels like Home’. The UFS Choir, conducted by Sibongile Mngoma, captivated the audience with an effortlessly blended medley of genres by 49 majestic voices.

Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, called the concert “indicative of incredible talent, immense preparation, and hard work. It was a beautifully crafted programme with talented musicians in an exquisite setting of the UFS”.

Staff, students, and alumni who want to showcase their musical talents and who are ready to entertain and mesmerise the audience by shining on the big stage, are invited to submit their entries as a singing group or solo item from the genres contemporary jazz, soul, or pop / popular music by 28 July 2023.


The concert takes place on Friday 1 September 2023.

News Archive

New coach for Shimlas
2012-05-24

The University of the Free State (UFS) will soon fill a newly created position, namely that of Director of Rugby.

The successful candidate will, amongst others, be the head coach for the Shimla rugby team and will also be involved in the recruitment of young talent, the contracting of rugby players and certain obligations at the UFS/Cheetahs Rugby Academy.
 
This decision was taken during a joint brainstorming session between the university and the UFS Rugby Club about rugby at the university on Friday 18 May 2012. The performances of the Shimla team during the past Varsity Cup Series was also discussed. “The meeting took place in a good spirit and it is a hopeful sign to observe that the university is prepared to go out of its way to ensure that the Shimlas perform, particularly in the Varsity Cup”, said Mr Marius van Rensburg, Chairperson of the UFS Rugby Cup.
 
Mr Jaco Swanepoel, current Shimla coach, retains his position as Head Coach of Rugby at the UFS, as well as certain commitments to function more strongly within the junior rugby structures and to train coaches.
 
According to Mr Van Rensburg, the position will be advertised as quickly as possible. The successful candidate will also have to assume duty soon, because preparations for next year’s Varsity Cup have to commence around September this year.
 
“Shimlas is a high-profile is team with a proud history and a major role player in SA rugby; therefore we expect to receive good applications. The panel that has to make the appointment will, amongst others, consist of two former Shimla Springboks, a former Shimla/Cheetah player and a former Springbok conditioning trainer.
 
The restructuring of the management model of the UFS Rugby Club is also envisaged, which will also bring about certain changes to the club’s constitution.


Media Release
24 May 2012
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: +27(0)51 401 2584
Cell: +27(0)83 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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