George Male Choir: 40 years young and still going strong

GEORGE NEWS - The well-known and much-beloved George Male Choir is celebrating its 40th year since it was formed by Dalene Brits in 1982.

Since its inception the choir achieved many milestones, among them three international tours, performances across the country and at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London and the replica Silent Night Church in Austria.

The choir participated in the Truro International Male Voice Choir festival in 2007 and managed a very credible fifth place.

Pandemic took its toll

The Covid-19 pandemic took its toll on the ability to perform regularly over the last two years or so. However, the 25-man strong choir had a great 40th celebration concert in April under outgoing director Gideon Brits and is now entering a new phase with a brand-new choir director.

There are already eight concerts lined up for the rest of the year across the region, and the choir hopes to again venture overseas to participate in the 2024 International Choir Competition and Festival in Bad Ischl, Austria.

The plan is to also extend the tour to visit Germany, the Netherlands and other countries. Funding requirements will be quite high, and several fund-raising events will be held to try and supplement the costs.

New choir director

Chrisna du Preez, who joined the choir in July 2022 as the new choir director, comes with a proven track record and a passion for music and choir direction. As a soloist in her own right, she understands each member's strengths and manages to stretch their vocal and performing abilities to new heights. She holds a B Mus (ED) HOD and M Mus practical qualification and has directed the Randburg Mannekoor and Drakensberg Boys Choir in her time.

Her achievements include presenting master classes to the Coro de Ninjos de Juvanes (Argentina) and the University of Sant Yago in Spain. She has travelled extensively in the music world and is well connected in the industry.

Members of the George Male Choir are looking forward to seeing where Du Preez and their talented pianist, Julie McFadden, will take them next.

Message from the oldest member

The oldest member, Ken Smith, shared the following in his own words: "It's a blessing to be artistic if only for self-enjoyment; but more so when family and friends contribute and socialise. Few join together as part of a choir, but many sing their own 'party piece'.

For many years I've enjoyed listening to choral singing, particularly that of Welsh male communities, and have selfishly harmonised within the comfort of my home!

"Recently, the George Male Choir sought new voices and several Georgians became raw recruits. Alongside tenors one and two, and the basses, I joined the other four baritones. Over the past eighty years+ I had sung …. untrained, and here I was, handed lyrics and scores of twelve songs to be sung in the concert at the Dutch Reformed Mother Church in April. We regularly rehearsed and it was a wonderful challenge resulting in great enjoyment, friendliness, and understanding from all members. The 40th anniversary concert was a huge success.

"Now, under a new leader, we are becoming a fresh and harmonious choral team, while retaining our natural friendliness. Thank you, guys, for the super passage of time, singing together. You're a great bunch of lads. Dear reader, if you sing, attend an audition, and join the choir."

All age groups

The choir accommodates male voice singers across all age groups, with the youngest member in his early twenties, and the oldest active member in his early nineties. The choir is able to perform songs of any genre and in many languages. They endeavour to bring the joy of music to their loyal audiences and to expand the audience base to new supporters.

The choir invites all male singers to join the choir on its journey to make music and enjoy singing for the next forty years. They especially need a few strong first tenors, but all voice groups are very welcome.

For national and international tours, a strong group of 40+ members is needed.

The choir normally rehearses once a week on Tuesdays at 18:30 at the Groenkloof Village dining area, but this can be more often when getting closer to concerts. Send a voice note or WhatsApp to Paul Hoffman on 082 577 5302 or Chrisna du Preez on 062 627 1297.

They will arrange a voice test for you. For any concert enquiries and bookings, the same contact details can be used.

Chrisna du Preez became the new director of the choir this year.