From the heart of the Cape Winelands to the international spotlight, the Stellenbosch University (SU) Choir has once again proven why it holds a special place as one of the world’s leading amateur choirs on the global choral map.
This past weekend, the SU Choir took centre stage at the Interkultur European Choir Games and Grand Prix of Nations 2025 competition in Aarhus, Denmark, before returning home draped in gold.
While only European choirs competed in the European Choir Games, the SU Choir was invited to participate in the Grand Prix of Nations as the only choir representing both South Africa and the African continent.
Competing against 132 choirs from 33 countries, the choir showcased its exceptional vocal prowess in three categories: ‘Adult Choirs’, ‘Jazz, Pop, Show’ and ‘Musica Sacra a Cappella’, subsequently earning scores above 95% and gold medals across the board.
‘I am so proud of my students because it has been a long journey,’ said André van der Merwe, who has been the conductor of the SU Choir since 2003.
‘They sing in the choir for the love of singing. And our marks of above 95% for all three categories are an incredible compliment at an international level. I am such a proud choir master.’
As per Stellenbosch University News, the choir’s mark of 96.56% in the ‘Adult Choirs’ category secured them second place, just shy of Norway’s winning choir. They also claimed second place in the lively ‘Jazz, Pop, Show’ category with 95.96% and a respectable third place for ‘Musica Sacra a Cappella’ with a mark of 95.31%.
Additionally, given its number one ranking on the Interkultur World Rankings for 12 consecutive years until 2024, the SU Choir was invited to perform alongside Akademisk Kor Århus in a celebratory concert presented by Interkultur. Their performance at Musikhuset – Aarhus’ main concert venue – ended in a roaring standing ovation.
‘It is incredible that this little choir from South Africa is so well-known and well-loved all over the world. The choir really brings a little bit of hope and light in our dark world today,’ added van der Merwe.
But according to Choir committee chairperson and SU Master’s student in Actuarial Science Talyah Greyling, it was the camaraderie and cultural exchange that made the tour to Denmark a truly enriching experience for the choir members.
‘Our slogan is “a family of voices” and during this competition week we had the opportunity to live together, eat together, adventure together and get to know a whole new country and culture together,’ she said.
Article shared by Cape Town ETC.
ALSO SEE:
Gift of a lifetime – Young bassoonist surprised at Stellenbosch music festival
Feature Image: Facebook / Stellenbosch University
