The best of the best in South African choral music will compete for the biggest choral music title in the country.
With a grand prize of R500 000 at stake, choral music lovers should expect well-polished musical offerings.
The ever-growing Melting Pot National Choral Festival Competition is accompanied by different genres of entertainment by some of Mzansi’s top music artists, as well as choirs from across the continent.
The entertainment programme includes the irresistible Sibongile Khumalo, Solly Mahlangu, Jaziel Brothers, Afro Tenors, Njabulo Madlala and Igrandi Tenori.
Dance floor king Zakes Bantwini and laugh-till-you-drop queen Celeste Ntuli, the East Rand Male Symphony Choir Ekurhuleni, Mbizana Village EC and Fumana High School choirs will also keep the audience glued to their seats.
Ground-breaking choral music workshops, choral music adjudicators from as far afield as Britain and the revival of choral music in Mpumalanga Province are just some of the successes notched up by the Melting Pot in a short space of time.
This gathering of the crème de la crème of choral musicians is in honour of one of South Africa’s greatest sons, Oliver Reginald Tambo, who conducted the choir at St Peter’s School.
He was first introduced to formal music at Embhobeni, and it became a lifelong activity and hobby.
He was also a renowned choral music composer.
The Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation endorses this festival.
Mavuso Msimang, CEO of the foundation, said Oliver Tambo loved classical and choral music and was an accomplished choir master.
“Tambo recognised the critical role of culture in the struggle for liberation and encouraged the formation of cultural groups in exile camps, where freedom fighters lived,” said Msimang.
“Embracing the Melting Pot National Festival Tribute to O R Tambo was thus the most natural thing to do for the foundation.
“There will be some unbelievable musical renditions, vocal and instrumental, by persons with disabilities,
“It’s an experience you have to see to fully appreciate.”
The Melting Pot National Choral Festival is presented by the City of Ekurhuleni as it celebrates O R Tambo Month in October.
Adding to the potpourri of song and dance will be the acclaimed KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The performance will start at 9am each day.
