Soweto Theatre is proud to host the Stellenbosch University Choir on September 10 as part of its Mpumalanga and Gauteng Tour. The most celebrated Choir which is currently number one on the Interkultur Ranking List of the top 1 000 international choirs since 2012, will kick off their tour on 06 September at Sudlwala Caves in Nelspruit and will wrap up at Soweto Theatre.
After two frustrating years, the world-renowned Stellenbosch University Choir is back, bursting with pent-up energy and intoxicating joy. The SU Choir, under the baton of André van der Merwe is excited to perform a new repertoire of iconic local and international works during this remarkable tour.
The choir, which has been under the baton of André van der Merwe since 2003, made international headlines for their rendition of John Legend’s “All of Me” which has been viewed more than 3 million times and Mr Legend himself took to Twitter to voice his enthusiasm for their interpretation. The choir’s performance of Christopher Tin’s “Baba Yetu” has clocked up almost 8 million views.
Conductor André van der Merwe says he is still stunned about this opportunity: “It is the first time in my 20 years with the choir that the whole choir is invited to perform abroad, all expenses paid.”
The Choir is set to perform arrangements of spirituals like the isiXhosa Easter hymn “Indodana”, evergreen South African hits like “Pata Pata” and “Weeping”. New arrangements of iconic songs by Lady Gaga (“Always Remember Us”), U2 (“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”) and beloved spirituals like “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”, “Poor Wayfaring Stranger” and “Elijah!” will also be on the programme.
“We are delighted to host this dynamic group of performers who have taken world by storm as they grace our stages on September 10. This spectacular performance comes at the 10th year Anniversary of Soweto Theatre and we could not be more honoured. In addition, we would like to take this moment and encourage Sweetens to welcome the Choir as this is only the beginning of an amazing relationship with Soweto Theatre.”- Vincent Motau (GM: Soweto Theatre)
Please see below Tour dates:
- The Sudwala Caves (Mbombela, 6 September),
- The ERT: Etienne Rousseau Theatre (Sasolburg, 8 September)
- WITS Linder Auditorium (Johannesburg, 9 September)
- Soweto Theatre (10 September).
“They sing with such precision. They are the Mercedes Benz of choirs.” – singer and The Voice contestant Sabelo Mthembu
“At the first note my jaw dropped. What these guys (especially the conductor) did was absolutely amazing. The average person has no idea how hard it is to get a large group to sound so great, and a capella on top of that.” – says singer and musician Jay Nova
“My favourite part of this choir is the incredible diversity. Everyone is unique and like they have a story to tell.” – Noah Cox
These are some of the comments on YouTube for the Stellenbosch University Choir’s rendition of FUN’s “Some Nights” which has more than 1,8 million views.
Catch Stellenbosch University Choir at Soweto Theatre on 10 September from R70 a ticket from 13h00.
