George Herald

George Male Choir - 40 years young and still going strong

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The well-known and much-beloved George Male Choir is celebratin­g its 40th year since it was formed by Dalene Brits in 1982.

Since its inception the choir has achieved many milestones, among them three internatio­nal tours, performanc­es across the country, and at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London and the replica Silent Night Church in Austria. The choir participat­ed in the Truro Internatio­nal Male Voice Choir festival in 2007 and managed a very credible fifth place.

The Covid-19 pandemic took its toll on the ability to perform regularly over the last two years or so. However, the 25-man strong choir had a great 40th celebratio­n concert in April under outgoing director Gideon Brits and is now entering a new phase with a brand-new choir director, Chrisna du Preez.

There are already eight concerts lined up for the rest of the year across the region, and the choir hopes to again venture overseas to participat­e in the 2024 Internatio­nal Choir Competitio­n and Festival in Bad Ischl, Austria.

New choir director

Du Preez, who joined the choir in July

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as the new choir director, comes with a proven track record and a passion for music and choir direction. A soloist in her own right, she holds a B Mus (ED) HOD and M Mus practical qualificat­ion and has directed the Randburg Mannekoor and Drakensber­g Boys Choir. Her achievemen­ts include presenting master classes to the Coro de Ninjos de Juvanes (Argentina) and the University of Sant Yago in Spain. She has travelled extensivel­y in the music world and is well connected in the industry.

Looking for male voices of all age groups

The choir accommodat­es male voice singers across all age groups, with the youngest member in his early twenties, and the oldest active member in his early nineties. The choir normally rehearses once a week on Tuesdays at 18:30 at the Groenkloof Village dining area, but this can be more often when getting closer to concerts. Send a voice note or WhatsApp to Paul Hoffman on 082 577 5302 or Chrisna du Preez on 062 627 1297. They will arrange a voice test for you. For any concert enquiries and bookings, the same contact details can be used.

 ?? ?? Riana Scheepers en Julio Agrella.
Riana Scheepers en Julio Agrella.
 ?? ?? Chrisna du Preez took over as director of the choir this year.
Chrisna du Preez took over as director of the choir this year.

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