On 7 September, the University of Pretoria (UP) Chorale hosted its annual High School Choirs Music Festival, which was titled Woven Voices, at the Musaion. The event commenced at 19:00, and tickets were sold on tixsa.co.za as advertised on the UP Chorale’s Instagram page. The evening was a resounding success, and the audience was treated to a showcase of exceptional vocal talent that made it a truly unforgettable experience.
Audience members were serenaded by an assortment of delightful choral music from a diverse line-up including Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria Junior Koor, Hoërskool Waterkloof Koor, Hoërskool Zwartkop Koor, and the UP Chorale. Each choir brought their own unique flair to the stage, and their distinct styles encompassed a vibrant blend of musical traditions which resonated with the audience.
Performances included multiple renditions of songs which were performed in various dialects and languages, adding depth to the cultural richness of the evening. Highlights of the night included Die Here is my Herder, Ziyama umelazi—which received a standing ovation—and the popular True Colours by Phil Collins. Their rendition of Please Stay was a moving performance that highlighted the struggles of being human and the need for connection.
When asked what inspired the creation of UP’s first female choir, the UP Chorale’s conductor and founder Raine Pienaar said that it was created “to provide a platform for women at UP to express themselves artistically through choral singing. The choir prides itself on impacting the community positively by producing high quality performances.”
The UP Chorale closed the evening with an awe-inspiring performance under the skilled direction of Pienaar. He was accompanied by the talented Andrea Mitas. The performance left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance, and since the UP Chorale’s inception in 2021, they have continued to break new ground and create “history in the making” by being the university’s first all-female choir.
Pienaar stated that the “message for this performance is one of collaboration, joy and acceptance.” The Chorale wanted “to show audience members that [they] enjoy making music with other local choirs and expressing joy, love and acceptance through the power of choral music.”
Hannah Hambly