The Rhodes University Chamber Choir (RUCC) is excited to begin its jam-packed tour to the Western Cape this weekend.
The tour will be marked by a series of musical workshops and collaborative concerts along the Garden Route, Cape Winelands, and in Cape Town including performances with (among others) the Zolani Youth Choir, Montagu Primary School Choirs, Voce Excellencia, the Goerge Male Choir, Eden Camerata, University of Cape Town Choir, University of the Western Cape Creative Arts Choir, Cape Peninsula University of Technology Choir, and the Methodist Church Choir in Rondebosch.
Composer, conductor, and RUCC music director Sibusiso Njeza says this is being done as a proactive way of remaining rooted in local lived realities.
Njeza adds that the power of music to overcome cannot be over-emphasised, especially in a country like South Africa, where poverty is rife.
“The lived reality in most rural areas is that survival takes priority over art and music – but what if art and music can help transform lives in real practical and sustainable ways?” asks Njeza.
“Young people need to see relatable role models that prove to them things of beauty can transform their lives to the point where they not only see it but believe it. This is why we are taking the tour to them in small towns all over the Eastern and Western Cape.”
This year marks the bidecacentennial celebration of Rhodes University, celebrated through the year-long RU120 campaign. The RUCC is, therefore, heeding the clarion call that the university needs to use every opportunity it has to strengthen its ties with broader societal structures.
The RUCC tour commences on Sunday, 18 August, with a full itinerary available on the choir’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok where you will also find a sneak preview of some of their recent performances!
Key performances (subject to additions) are as follows:
· Sunday, 18 August 2024: Featuring Voce Excellencia, the George Male Choir, and Eden Camerata; St. Marks Cathedral, George; 15:30
· Tuesday, 20 August 2024: the Zolani Youth Choir; NG Kerk McGregor; 17:30
· Wednesday, 21 August 2024: the Montagu Senior Primary School Choir, the Montagu Junior Primary School Choir, and the Zolani Youth Choir; Montagu Primary School Hall, 17:30
· Thursday, 22 August 2024: The Harmony festival with the UWC Creative Arts choir, UCT Choir, and CPUT choir; Jakes Gerwel Hall, UWC; 17:30.
Anyone who would like to get involved with the tour through bookings, partnerships, or sponsorships is encouraged to contact Sibusiso Njeza: sibusiso.njeza@ru.ac.za / (046) 603 7259
