Situated in the Welgelegen Dutch Reformed Church in Dalsig, the Cape Choral Academy (CCA) promises to offer a picturesque and uplifting scholarly environment to all its learners. The CCA welcomed its first students and parents on its campus in Stellenbosch in January this year.
The CCA is not an ordinary music school, nor is it just a choir school, and it is definitely not a mainstream school. Instead, it gives musically gifted learners from across the country the opportunity to not only develop as musicians but to thrive within a creative environment that produces leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers.
At the heart of the Academy’s philosophy lies the deep-rooted belief that music enriches, unlocks potential, and is meant to be shared. “This choir will follow the tradition of choral music in its original form, namely as an ecclesiastical tool to serve communities in the spiritual aspects of society. Ours will be a choir not for the purpose of entertainment but for spiritual enrichment on a deeper level,” says Kritzinger.
A unique aspect of this choir is that it strives to establish its Western-Cape identity through its choral works. The choir performs a new repertoire that mostly consists of originally composed music. Traditional Afrikaans folk songs, as well as isiXhosa hymns, form an integral part of the music education received by students, and it is a privilege to add these components to the repertoire in the quest to honour the citizens of this province.
“People often think that one must belong to the church to enjoy the music of the CCA, but we want to invite everyone from the public to attend our performances,” says Kritzinger. The CCA provides a space where people can reflect, relax, and enjoy incredible music produced by exceptionally talented learners.
“We are at the threshold of a worldwide renaissance, a new way of thinking and a rebirth of thought in society. We believe that the Cape Choral Academy stands at the forefront of this new way of doing, new way of thinking, and we want the community of Stellenbosch to join us as we embark on this journey through music.”
The CCA promises to take audiences on a journey that is so different, so unique, and so spectacular. Lovers of choral music and visitors to Stellenbosch will be able to share in the musical delight as they will have the opportunity to observe or even participate in the Morning Prayers and Evensong hosted in the Stellenbosch DR Church Welgelegen and the Stellenbosch DR Moederkerk.
The public can also attend a full concert of the CCA in the Stellenbosch DR Moederkerk every Wednesday of the academic term. All events open to the public are free, though donations at the door after the performance are appreciated.
The CCA’s performance times are as follows:
Morning Prayer: Every weekday from 08:00 to 08:20 at the Stellenbosch DR Church Welgelegen.
Evensong: Mondays at the Stellenbosch DR Church Welgelegen from 17:00 to 17:25, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Stellenbosch DR Moederkerk from 17:00 to 17:25.
Wednesday Concerts: Every Wednesday at the Stellenbosch DR Moederkerk from 17:00 to 17:50.
