New conductor of NWCC experienced and passionate

Kobus Venter has recently been appointed as the North West Children’s Choir’s (NWCC) new conductor after Christelle Engelbrecht, has stepped down after four fruitful years. As an experienced conductor, he will lead the choir in its 30th year of existence. Not only is he currently the choral conducting lecturer at the North-West University’s School of Music, but he is also the conductor of the North-West University Choir (NWU-PUK Choir) and Molen Kórus chamber choir.

The choir management is delighted to welcome Kobus to the NWCC family, yet saddened to see Christelle leave. “Even though Christelle is not formally affiliated with the choir anymore, she will always be part of the NWCC family. We hope to see her grow from strength to strength as she pursues her doctoral studies,” said the choir’s managing director, Elsje Kruger. Venter is taking over the reins immediately and his first rehearsal was on Friday, 7 May 2021.

He is excited to start his journey as the conductor of the NWCC: “As a regional choir, it is important to me that the NWCC is a leading example for all childrens’ choirs in the province. Not only do we strive towards exquisite musicianship, but we also want to promote a thriving choral culture in our province and country,” Venter said.

Auditions
Children between the ages of 9 and 15, interested in auditioning for the NWCC, are welcome to contact Elsje Kruger on 078 459 8623 to arrange a meeting.

More about Kobus Venter
Kobus began his choral career at the early age of seven years when he sang in several choirs. During his time at university, Kobus was a member of the NWU-PUK Choir, where he also served as chairperson. In 2011, he founded the chamber choir, Mölen Kórus with the co-conductor, Loretté du Toit. With the retirement of Prof. Awie van Wyk, Kobus was appointed as the conductor of the NWU-PUK Choir in 2012. Under his leadership, the choir won several gold medals at the World Choir Games in 2014 (Latvia) and 2018 (South Africa). In 2019, they were the winners of the Prague international advent and Christmas choral festival with Eben’s prize. Kobus has a B.Com degree in Chartered Accountancy and a B.Com honours degree in Financial Accountancy. In 2015, he also obtained a B.Mus degree (with distinction) in voice at the School of Music and Conservatory (NWU). He is currently busy with a master’s degree in choral conducting under Prof. Santisa Viljoen and Rudolf de Beer, the founder of the NWCC.