schoolsthatrockBloemfontein Children Choir. The Bloemfontein Children’s Choir (BCC) is ending 2021 with the release of it’s newest music video, Jéntends Le Moulin (I hear the windmill), a French-Canadian folk song arranged by Emily Crocker.
Dedicated to parents
The video is dedicated to the parents and guardians of the members of the Choir. It was recorded at Villa Avianto in Bloemfontein, earlier this year. The choir has had a challenging year which required innovative methods to practice and to move the choir forward. Recently a “Family Concert” was presented to parents and family members and we are very excited with the review of the concert by Marius Coetzee. He is Innovation and Development Manager at the Odeion School of Music, Free State University.“ The performance was a first under the tutelage of the newly appointed conductor Werner Stander. The choirs attractive new formal uniforms were simultaneously unveiled. The concert was presented as a family concert with a few guests of honour.
A balanced and diverse repertoire were assembled for the occasion and executed with élan. Although quite bouquet of native South African works were included in the concert programme. One missed works from the rich South African art music and further additions from the western art music canon.
Sacred music
Typical to the South African choral tradition, the first part of the concert programme consisted of sacred music hailing from Michael Preatorius (1571-1621) to more contemporary repertoire. Both the Cantate Domino by Althouse (1951>) as well the work Deo Dicamus Gratias by composer Victor Johnson (1978) is definitely worth mentioning. Artistically the well known The Lord bless you and keep you by John Rutter (1945, arrangement for equal voices) surely impressed with an etherical quality and insightful musical phrasing.
The works performed during the first half were characterised with exceptional intonation and musicianship as well as superb balancing of the accord structures. Occasionally one missed some core in the sound palette and tangible fortes when the music required it.
Bravura, enthusiasm and vigorous sound
It was rather interesting during the second half of the programme (as stated before which consisted mainly of secular repertoire) the general sound palette was more boisterous with the sacrifice of minor intonation slips. During this part of the programme its where the well- known choral pieces for equal voices J’etends Le Moulin (French Canadian Folksong arranged Emily Crocker) as well as Scarborough Fair (Traditional English Folk Song arranged by Greg Gilpin 1964) which really impressed. Both works were sang with anticipated bravura, enthusiasm and vigorous sound production.
Compliments to the new choreographer Xander Steyn with suitable and musically inspired movements which flattered the music and not the other way around as was prevalent with the previous dispensation. Frelét De Villiers, accompanist provided solid and supportive accompaniment throughout the programme.
Congratulations to Stander and his flock for an enjoyable and artistically inclined programme. The ensemble is most certainly in capable and talented hands. It will be an honour to see how the ensemble will progress during the next few years. Bravo !”’
The Choir is ending the year on a high note and is certainly looking forward to the challenges presented in 2022. “We wish all our parents, members, guardians and friends of the Choir a joyous festive season. May 2022 bring opportunities to celebrate the joy of singing and good health.
Photos supplied
More news: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za
Become a Sponsor
