PR O F I L ES A N D R O S T E R S : C H O I R S Gauteng Choristers Sidwell Mhlongo, conductor
Built on the foundation of excellence since its inception in April 1988, the Gauteng Choristers have become a cornerstone in choral music and related genres in South Africa. In its quest to diversify its music activities, the choir has performed with internationally acclaimed artists such as Sibongile Khumalo, Pretty Yende, Andrea Bocelli, Bala Brothers, the Parlotones, Karen Zoid, Sello Galane, Concord Nkabinde, Siphokazi Maraqana, Sibongile Mngoma, the Afro-Tenors, Renée Fleming, Sally Silver, Musa Nkuna and Aubrey Lodewyk. The choir takes the development of its choristers seriously; most of its members are young and from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Choristers’ first tour to Europe, in 2004, celebrated 10 years of democracy in South Africa. In 2015 the group performed and recorded uShaka kaSenzangakhona, accompanied by the Gauteng Choristers Orchestra at the Nelson Mandela Theatre in Johannesburg. In the same year, the choir was crowned National Champions of the Melting Pot. One of its most recent achievements, in 2017, was a sold-out performance of Mozart’s Requiem at the Lyric Theatre. The Gauteng Choristers were one of three South African choirs invited to sing at the memorial service of the late Nelson Mandela at the First National Bank Stadium in Johannesburg. Sidwell Mhlongo started conducting at age 16 and became the conductor of the Kagiso Youth Choir in 1991. He performed in many choruses as a member of the State Theatre Opera Chorus and in the State Theater Philharmonic Choir. He made his debut as a professional soloist in the role of Samuel in the world premiere of the opera Buchuland, composed by Roelof Temmingh in 1998. He was recruited to conduct Gauteng Choristers in 2000 and has since led the choir to numerous awards including three championship crowns at the National Choir Festival Finals. He also conducted the ensemble through nine successful performances of Mzilikazi Khumalo’s cantata uShaka in six European countries, plus two performances of the same work in Chicago at the Ravinia Festival. In 2011, Mhlongo was appointed the chorus master of Winnie the Opera, composed by Bongani Ndodana-Breen, which was performed at the State Theatre in Pretoria.
Soprano Lerato Mofokeng Tsekiso Moloi Sphiwe Mabuza Thembisile Coka Xolile Dyani Thulisile Ntetha Nomandla Ncayiyana Miseka Gaqa Hilda Mohlatlole Nombeko Stemela Cecilia Phetoe Linda Sokhanyile Sbongile Nhlapo Noxolo Conjwa Sanky Sitshinga Fezile Mkhulisi Buhle Madlala Motswa Mbatha Siphiwe Ndhlovo Brenda Thulo
Akhona Nyokana Gugu Mphahlaza Lindiwe Lebakeng Thembi Molotsi Nontobeko Mahlanza Dudu Moamohe
Mezzo-Soprano Pearl Mogodi Buyi Masikane Anelisiwe Mnyaka Seithati Phillips Dipou Mohlophegi Puseletso Motaung Nonhlanhla Nxumalo Noluthando Tshabalala Lerato Letlape Yondela Mlambo Makiwe Mgidlala Mahlatse Tshangase Nomaqhawe Kananda
Mathapelo Matlou Mbali Mathe Anathi Stuurman
Tenor Mpelo Sikhwatha Patrick Lekala Sizwe Nkwanyana Thabang Baadjie Mpho Dimpe Kgaugelo Dolo Bongani Khumalo Miyelani Khuzwayo Simphiwe Luthuli Zola Mabutho Percy Macheke Sphelele Madela Sabelo Madi Kgutatso Makola Alexanda Molete Zolani Mootane
Lebuhang Motumi Simphiwe Mthimkhulu Bongane Mthombeni Christopher Msiza Mdumiseni Ntshangase Fisumusa Ndlovu Nkosinomusa Ndlovu Senzo Ndlovu Kananelo Sehau Makhosonke Tshabalala Sikhumbuzo Tshabalala Sizakele Zitha Mandla Zulu
Baritone/Bass Thabani Msibi Bubu Zwane Wine Zitha Mduduzi Ntetha Molemohi Tjemolane Pheello Mothola
Sandile Nkosi Lehlogonolo Mashapu Donald Makofane Abram Legodi Siyabonga Ndlovu Cingisizwe Mbane Chris Mipi Tshepiso Modise Avela Gungqwa Kgaogelo Mfene Prosper Makhaya Themba Nkosi Sinenhlanhla Dube Lebohang Hlalele Sibusiso Madonsela
Rehearsal Pianist Janet Dancer
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