The Endler Prestige Concert Series presents a performance by Voces Cordis, conducted by André van der Merwe at Endler Hall on Friday 24 May at 19:00.
Since its inception in 2022, Voces Cordis (Voices of the Heart) has established itself as one of South Africa’s leading choral ensembles.
Under the direction of Van der Merwe, an acclaimed choral conductor, the choir returns to Stellenbosch for its first gala performance of the year.
Voces Cordis comprises 75 talented and dedicated young adults from across the Cape who share a passion for choral music and singing. Most members are experienced, having been in university and amateur choirs across the country.
While a handful of members are employed as choral directors and musicians, the majority work in a variety of other professions. The group’s determination to be one of the foremost amateur choral ensembles on the globe is, however, apparent – there is already talk of showcasing their artistry in international eisteddfods next year.
Each choir member has a unique approach to carving out time for the music. And when the choir graces the stage they collectively share a fragment of the essence that is Voces Cordis, their individual souls come together, and their hearts beat as one.
Voces Cordis was founded by Van der Merwe as a continuation of his internationally award-winning work with ensembles such as the Pro Cantu Youth Choir, Stellenberg Girls’ Choir and the Stellenbosch University Choir.
“Voces Cordis represents an inspiring journey of reconnection – over a period of 25 years many of its members have played a pivotal role in my growth as an artist and human being. When we started the choir I expected to make beautiful music with talented people,” he recalled.
“What surprised me was their work ethic and the pure joy that followed. This is an exceptional group of adults with families, wild schedules and challenging careers, yet they find time to create beauty. When I asked them in 2023 if we can take the repertoire to the next level, they simply smiled with dogged determination!”
At the concert Voces Cordis will deliver a diverse programme of choral music, both well-known and rarely heard pieces, some in a classical vein as well as popular song arrangements. It will feature works by contemporary choral composers such as Gyöngyösi Levente and Eriks Esenvalds, two pieces by English Renaissance composers: “Ecce vicit Leo”, a sacred motet for double choir by Peter Philips and “Sing Joyfully” by William Byrd, a jubilant anthem for six voices from the Elizabethan Age.
Other liturgical settings based on traditional Catholic prayers include the 20th and 21st century compositions “Ave Maria” by Franz Biebl and “Angele Dei” by Susan LaBarr.
Arrangements of popular songs by Freddie Mercury and Justin Bieber as well as a glimpse into musical theatre, with Stephen Sondheim’s famous 1973 song “Send in the Clowns”, will conclude the programme.
- Tickets cost R175 each and can be booked online through Webtickets.
