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JuniorTukkie May 2016
Culture Jacaranda Children’s Choir
The University of Pretoria Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble Artistic Director/Manager: Mxolisi Duda (BMus, MMus) This choir builds SA through music, song and dance and celebrates the wonderful diversity we have in this country. Their repertoire is varied and includes a number of musical choices from various countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Their songs tell wonderful stories and some have strong social messages.
Christo Burger is the conductor of the Akustika Chamber Singers, St Mary’s Singers, the Jacaranda Children’s Choir and he also conducts the community mass choir projects, ‘Capital Singers.’
‘I strive to educate and inspire from young to old, because I am in service of the music.’ Focus of the choir
The choir focuses on children from Grade 4 to 9 who audition for a place in the choir, but they also accept learners from Grade 1 to 3. In 2015 the choir participated in the ‘Huisgenoot Superskoupel’. Currently, the Jacaranda Children’s Choir has 75 members. They are the best of friends who share wonderful times together, but are also very disciplined and committed to excellence.
Highlight for 2016
The choir is looking forward to participating in the Alta Pusteria International choir festival in Italy in June 2016 and they will also be seen at the Winter Concert Series. CD’s for sale include: The Beginning, The Journey and The Destination Contact information Trudie Crouse Email manager@jacarandachoir.co.za Tel +27 (0)82 979 4348
They draw from a substantive collection of both vocal and instrumental musical choices from countries like Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe and the Congo.
2016 theme: ‘I am an African’
Through this repertoire they will revisit Mandela’s dream of
a united nation regardless of colour, creed or nationality. Their music brings healing, hope and promotes togetherness; it also breaks down barriers that divide people.
Choir members
The Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble has 65 members; none study or can read music or are in fields that are related to the performing arts, but their love of culture and their willingness to learn sets them apart. That, and their enthusiasm for singing and performing, win hearts wherever they go.
Highlights in 2015
200 people attended their inaugural Africa Day Concert in the Aula. The choir visited the East Coast of the USA and performed in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Contact | Mxolisi Duda | Email mxolisi.duda@up.ac.za