AN EAST London high school’s a cappella group will jet off to Latvia next week to take part in the World Choir Games.
The Stirling A Cappella Vocal Group will sing at the event which is in its eighth year and is the biggest choir competition of its kind.
A cappella music involves singing without any instrumental sound.
More than 20000 voices from around the world are expected to showcase their talent over the 16 days the event runs and this will be the first time a choir from East London attends.
Although the Stirling group won’t compete against other choirs, they will perform at a “friendship concert” and attend music workshops while there.
Stirling teacher Leoni Armour, who will lead the trip abroad, said she had first found out about the games three years ago but had not been able to enter a group until now due to financial restrictions.
“The World Choir Games stood out for me because there are so many groups that get together to sing. It sounded like an exciting event or competition that we could attend.
“It was a pity we could not attend before because of finances.”
Armour said this year they had prepared for the games and had held fundraising events to assist with costs.
“We had an evening when all the pianists from around town were together for a show. We’ve also had some challenge shows at schools and also sold things to raise money,” she said.
The group of eight pupils who are doing Grades 10, 11 and 12 have been preparing for months for the event.
“We have prepared a 20 minute programme which we will sing at one of the friendship concerts. The group will get a chance to do a solo,” Armour said, adding they sang contemporary songs.
She said they had also prepared a further 18 songs which they would sing in a mass choir made up of various choirs from around the world.
The group will leave East London next Tuesday ahead of the event which starts on July 9.
“For the duration we are there, we will be going to workshops hosted by all the top-brass in the choral music industry.
“The most exciting workshop is by the The Real Group from Sweden and The King's Singers from Britain – both of which will be performing,” she said.
There are 14 other South African choirs taking part. Armour said the Stirling group would support the South African choirs who were competing in the event.
She said in order for a choir to compete in the competition, they must have taken part in a national competition.
“We will come back with valuable experience and hopefully next time qualify to take part in the competition.”
The pupils going to Latvia are: Inga Ralana, Robin Castle, Phillip Jordaan, Siphosethu Thibane, Daniel du Plessis, Nqobile Mbhele, Marina Pienaar and Cassidy Thomas. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Stirling 'a capella' group off to Latvia
The Stirling A Cappella Vocal Group will sing at the event which is in its eighth year and is the biggest choir competition of its kind.
A cappella music involves singing without any instrumental sound.
More than 20000 voices from around the world are expected to showcase their talent over the 16 days the event runs and this will be the first time a choir from East London attends.
Although the Stirling group won’t compete against other choirs, they will perform at a “friendship concert” and attend music workshops while there.
Stirling teacher Leoni Armour, who will lead the trip abroad, said she had first found out about the games three years ago but had not been able to enter a group until now due to financial restrictions.
“The World Choir Games stood out for me because there are so many groups that get together to sing. It sounded like an exciting event or competition that we could attend.
“It was a pity we could not attend before because of finances.”
Armour said this year they had prepared for the games and had held fundraising events to assist with costs.
“We had an evening when all the pianists from around town were together for a show. We’ve also had some challenge shows at schools and also sold things to raise money,” she said.
The group of eight pupils who are doing Grades 10, 11 and 12 have been preparing for months for the event.
“We have prepared a 20 minute programme which we will sing at one of the friendship concerts. The group will get a chance to do a solo,” Armour said, adding they sang contemporary songs.
She said they had also prepared a further 18 songs which they would sing in a mass choir made up of various choirs from around the world.
The group will leave East London next Tuesday ahead of the event which starts on July 9.
“For the duration we are there, we will be going to workshops hosted by all the top-brass in the choral music industry.
“The most exciting workshop is by the The Real Group from Sweden and The King's Singers from Britain – both of which will be performing,” she said.
There are 14 other South African choirs taking part. Armour said the Stirling group would support the South African choirs who were competing in the event.
She said in order for a choir to compete in the competition, they must have taken part in a national competition.
“We will come back with valuable experience and hopefully next time qualify to take part in the competition.”
The pupils going to Latvia are: Inga Ralana, Robin Castle, Phillip Jordaan, Siphosethu Thibane, Daniel du Plessis, Nqobile Mbhele, Marina Pienaar and Cassidy Thomas. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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