Successful Western Cape Choral Music Indaba held in Cape Town

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) hosted a successful Cape Choral Music Indaba on 15 and 16 February 2014 in Cape Town.  The purpose of the workshop was to gain a better understanding of the choral music landscape in the Western Cape.  Representatives of choral music structures, choirs and representatives of related organisations and institutions from across the province were invited.  
 

The programme included discussions and presentations about various choral music structures, skills development, the contribution that choral music could make to social and economic development and social inclusion. A summary report on the Indaba is being compiled and will be distributed to stakeholders in the coming weeks.
 

Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer said choral music brings healing to people, promotes social inclusion and plays an important role in youth development. “Through this Indaba, the Department is committed to engage with stakeholders and listen to the challenges they experience and their aspirations. We hope that constructive dialogue between stakeholders can potentially take choral music in the province to a level it has not seen before.”
 

During the Indaba, participants identified challenges that the sector encounters and made recommendations as to how the sector and government could work better together in future. The role of sponsors, choral competitions, concerts and performances, events and festivals in further the development of choral music was also acknowledged.  Discussions regarding skills development and training available to choir leaders, conductors and individuals after presentations by Cathsseta, Stellenbosch University and other universities and institutions followed.  
 

The fragmentation of the choral music sector, the perceived lack of choral music as part of the arts and culture curriculum in schools and the need for a “unified” voice for the sector to engage with other stakeholders were some of the matters raised at the Indaba. 

DCAS Arts, Culture and Language Director Ms Jane Moleleki said the vision and commitment between stakeholders are the same. “We need to work together as everybody has a role to play to develop, promote and preserve choral music in the province.”