Lindenkoor had an audience of 500 people on their feet during their 21th anniversary concert.
The award-winning choir hosted the concert at the Randburg NG Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church) to celebrate what they consider, as one of their major highlights.
The programme included a variety of Afro-American songs dating as far as back as the 1890s.
The audience was treated to songs like Kumbaya, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Down by the Riverside, I will Follow Him and a snippet of Oh When the Saints Go Marching In. TV personality and former Lindenkoor member Riaan Frey, emceed the event and later led the choir with his amazing organ skills.
“The choir embodies Hoëskool Linden’s inimitable vocal and cultural ethos which is half a century old,” said Frey.
“The school has offered various musical and art directions, ranging from choirs to acting and literature, since the ’50s. Older pupils from Hoërskool Linden have excelled in these areas and have forged a path in the arts that the newer generation should strive to follow,” Frey explained.
The 91 member choir boasted a list of former members including the internationally acclaimed opera soloist Elza van den Heever, Idols winner Elvis Blue and musicians Chris Chameleon, Karen Zoid, and Dawie de Villiers.
It has also captivated audiences in Austria, Prague, France and Greece. Frey applauded choir leader Duncan Fourie and accompanist Gert Potgieter for their abundant but rare talent. “It was an unforgettable experience to witness the emancipation of the best school choir in the country and to actively participate in the programme. You simply cannot get enough of Lindenkoor.” Hoërskool Linden’s principal Dr Jorrie Jordan said he has great appreciation for the musical talent expressed by the choir, because he was a music teacher himself. “Being part of Lindenkoor is a lifestyle. It’s our pride.”
Lindenkoor has started preparations for the semi-finals of the National Eisteddfod Academy Young Performer Awards ,to held on 6 May at the Roodepoort City Theatre.
Twitter: @Lindenkoor, facebook.com/groups/Lindenkoor