The Stellenbosch University Chamber Choir (SUCC), has just returned from a hugely successful tour to Hong Kong. The choir was invited as Artist Choir in Residence to the 2017 World Youth & Children’s Choir Festival which took place from 17-22 July 2017. An invitation of this nature can be considered both a great and rare honour.
The World Youth and Children’s Choir Festival is one of the most important choral festivals in the world, and attracts 200 participating choirs from across the globe. SUCC’s concerts were listened to by around 5000 participants and performances were live-streamed worldwide.
Founded and conducted by Martin Berger, this young ensemble has developed into one of South Africa’s leading chamber choirs: internationally respected and locally relevant. With the diversity of its repertoire, SUCC represents the variety of choral music styles to be found in the country.
The choir performed at the Opening Ceremony of the festival on 18 July, a full evening concert on 19 July and also at the 20th Anniversary Celebration Concert of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. All performances were received with overwhelming enthusiasm from the audience.
SUCC was honoured by the presence and support of the South African Consul-General to Hong Kong, Mr Madoda Ntshinga, at both the Opening Ceremony and the full evening concert. He commended the choir on “…raising the South African flag even much higher as true ambassadors of our country.”