GEORGE NEWS - Music lovers from George and surroundings who missed out on some beautiful music performed by three choirs on Saturday 14 June - in our lovely St Mark's Cathedral - have only themselves to blame.
The wonderful evening in the packed cathedral started off with the evergreen George Male Choir, under the directorship of Chrisna du Preez. The men sang their hearts out, performing songs like "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel" (a traditional spiritual arranged by Greg Gilpin), "Karoonag" written by Coenie de Villiers, and "Blou", arranged by Du Preez.
They also kept the feet tapping with Klopseliedjies and Ghoema songs, and the popular "Homeless" (Ladysmith Black Mambazo singers).
These were folowed by the popular Eden Camerata, the local chamber choir under the directorship of André van Zyl. Their programme included a selection of light and choral music, including a Swedish song, "Kärlekens tid", composed by Benny Andersson from Abba fame, a lullaby, "Raisons and Almonds", the well-known "Danny Boy", and an evening song, "Lux Beata Trinitas", by the Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo. They ended their spectacular programme on a high note with a song of praise, "Halleluja! Loof die Here!", by Gordon Young.
The guest choir from Pretoria, Singfonix Male Ensemble, under the directorship of Riekie van Aswegen, enjoyed their special welcome in the Garden Route.
They treated the appreciative audience with a variety of songs in different genres, including the beautiful "Pacem" (Lee Dengler), "Exultate Deo" and an enchanting Greek song, "Pandodynamos", by Nikos Politis.
The Singfonix Male Choir
The theme of love was emphasised and carried forward through their rendition of the "By alle skone dinge", "Suikerbos" and "Voshaarnooi". Their last song, "I Wouldn't Be", arranged by Hendrik Fourie, expressed the gratitude towards family, friends and society in forming the life and being of every individual person.
What a delight and privilege it was to also enjoy the performance of no fewer than three works composed by our well-known and beloved George resident composer, Prof Chris Lamprecht, who turns 98 this year. Eden Camerata sang a moving Psalm 23, while Singfonix sang "Ek groet vir laas" as well as "Môrelied" - the latter having been composed as recently as 2023.
It was indeed an evening during which the joy of making music together by singing in a choir was evidently enjoyed by everyone, the audience as well as the choristers.
George will be spoilt with another outstanding concert on 27 June, with the visiting North-West University PUK Choir, the South Cape Children's Choir and the Eden Camerata Chamber Choir, at the Dutch Reformed Church, Denneoord, George. Tickets at Quicket.
The Eden Camerata Chamber Choir
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