Spectacular Performances at Rapport/ATKV Choral Competition | Western Cape Government

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Spectacular Performances at Rapport/ATKV Choral Competition

4 February 2014

The Rapport/ATKV Choral Competition was a spectacular show with an enormous variety of music, from classical and folk to hallelujah praise songs. The competition was hosted by the Afrikaans Taal en Kultuur Vereeniging (ATKV) and Rapport at the City Hall in Cape Town on Sunday, 2 February 2014. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) contributed R200 000 towards the staging of the event.

More than 20 choral groups from across the Western Cape participated in the competition. Harmony Voices of Mamre (best group), Igugu le kapa of Gugelethu (best male choir), VGK Vrouekoor of Porterville (best female choir), Wynland-Kamerkoor of Paarl (best mixed choir) and the Kranshoek-gemeenskapboerdery of Plettenberg Bay (best local choir) were proud winners on the day. They all received R2 000, and performed alongside about 20 choirs in the spectacular main koregala (choral gala) evening event.

Musician Niël Rademan of ATKV said they’ve tried to get together as many winners of the Rapport/ATKV Choral Competition as possible over the last eight years to perform at the koregala. This included overall and category winners. “We realised that it was time for the winners to be rewarded in another way, too. And the biggest reward for performers is one that enables them to be on a stage to perform.”

The competition lived up to all expectations: It was choral singing as an art form for reconciliation, with Afrikaans as a common factor. Many groups participated for the first time at Suidoosterfees and their group performances left the audience and judges in awe. Vanessa Fredericks of the Griqua Rupert Choir from Vredendal said despite the nerves and excitement, their group still had a wonderful experience on stage. “It was not about winning the competition. We just wanted people to be touched by our gospel and traditional vocal pieces. To perform here was a bonus for us.”

DCAS is proud to support initiatives such as the Suidoosterfees, which contribute to the development of choirs in the province. This was a fitting partnership to promote the profile of choral groups leading up to the Western Cape Choral Indaba in Cape Town on 15 and16 February 2014.

Media Enquiries: 

Annerie Pruis-Le Roux
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9730
E-mail: annerie.pruis@westerncape.gov.za