Choirs from in and around South Africa have until 30 April to audition for a spot in this year’s Old Mutual National Choir Festival (NCF).
With prize money totalling more than R1 100 000, the sub-continent’s oldest, biggest and most prestigious choral music competition has become hotly contested.
The number of participating choirs grows year on year, attracting the best of the best. Former participants whose choral excellence has taken them to international stages include Pretty Yende, Phumeza Matshikiza and Afro Tenors.
Choirs are required to record two pieces, one Western and one African. One piece can be sung a cappella and the other accompanied.
“The search is on for Southern Africa’s finest choral voices. Voices that soar, lift, inspire and unite,” says Old Mutual sponsorship, manager Bandile Mngoma.
“While last year’s winners, Voices of the Nation and Joyful Harmonies, will be hard acts to follow, we are confident that this year’s entrants will again do Southern Africa proud,” says Mngoma.
The qualifying choirs from each region will take part in the regional competitions, which will run from August to October, culminating in a finale in December.
Songs can be selected and downloaded from NCF’s collection on Old Mutual’s Do Great Things website (www.dogreatthings.com). Application forms are also available online. Choirs are required to submit recordings on a DVD/CD or email to Gerald Bhembe at gbhembe@gmail.com.
Bhembe can also be contacted on 011 217 1017. The recordings will be adjudicated by the National Choir Festival judging panel. All choirs will be notified of their marks and results
