GEORGE NEWS - With the three performances of their latest presentation, Fantasia 2023 behind them, members of Garden Route-based orchestra and choir Carpe Musicam! have every reason to hold their heads high.

Having been formed in 2015 with only 16 members, they now sport a total force of over 70 musicians, singers and dancers that are being increasingly recognised as a local gem.

The programme was a tour de force of orchestral and choral fireworks interspersed with quieter items for orchestra, choir and soloists, such as The Lonely Shepherd played on panpipes by conductor Norman Carless and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, performed solo in virtuosic style by orchestra leader and violinist Cherith Bain. 

This number also featured new trumpet section leader Ferdinand Engel’s gentle yet rich tone.

The programme included some Spanish dances. The performers were, from left: Esmé Spicer, Shelly Westman and Merleen von Causes.

But, generally numbers in the rock idiom were the order of the day, including a rock concertante version of Beethoven's Ode to joy theme led on piano by pianist, manager and choir leader Elsabe Barkhuizen.

There were plenty of other goose-bump moments with a selection from Phantom of the Opera, a wordless chorus in The final countdown and Chorale and rock out. 

Musician and drummer Kevi Levin had the audience on their feet with his Drum-kit solo feature.

Trumpet player Daniel Pienaar in action.

Christmas concert coming

Join them on 15 and 17 December in the Outeniqua High School hall and at the Mossel Bay Civic Centre respectively, for their 2023 Christmas Concert entitled Joy to the world. 

This will be 90 minutes of soul-enriching music associated with Christmas - some items more familiar than others. Book early to ensure a seat. Tickets, priced at R150 for adults (learners free), are available at www.carpemusicam.co.za.

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