Local children’s choir wins Talent America

Congratulations are in order for Alberton’s Cantare Children’s Choir after being entered into the Talent America International virtual competition as a wild card entry.

Talent America and Talent Africa are reportedly two of the globe’s biggest talent competitions, with talent agents and scouts watching these competitions to find fresh talent.

Any soloist or team that competes at the Talent Africa nationals are rewarded their provincial federation colours from the Federation of Performing Arts.

According to Ida Strydom, founder and choir director for the last 25 years, the choir, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020, has achieved great victories through its dedication.

“Cantare became one of a very small number of choirs to officially not only receive their Gauteng federation colours, but also receive their national colours. The choir had achieved all this in less than six months and with only a few performances and rehearsals,” she said.

Strydom said not only did the choir attain its official colours, but it walked away from one of the world’s biggest talent competitions with three awards. These included being first in their category of participants aged 15 to 17, highest international score and production champions.

“The choir was also meant to represent South Africa at the Sun of Italy International, Fiestalonia festival competition in June. Unfortunately, Covid-19 stopped this in its tracks. I was also able to bring the choir the Talent America Champions award,” she said.

She said this was made possible with the support and backing of Shawn and Melanie Ashcroft from Talent Africa and the support received from the parents.

Any singing, talented person who would like to join their choir is welcome to visit the choir’s webpage to apply for an audition at cantare.org.za