Workshop with Michael Barrett and University of Pretoria Camerata © INTERKULTUR

Where Africa meets the West

Workshop about South African Music in Riga

World Choir Games 2018

This workshop by Michael Barrett and his choir "University of Pretoria Camerata" did not only present South African music culture to roughly 60 participants – it also delivered a first insight into what to expect when joining the 10th World Choir Games 2018 in Tshwane, South Africa as guests and contestants next year.

At the beginning 11 choir members introduced themselves in one of the 11 official languages spoken in South Africa by 55 million people. The audience was asked to try these languages in order to get a feeling what the sounds feels like. The workshop started with the music piece Modimo, which was sung first and then a demonstration of the dance moves followed. The performance of two other pieces, Bayasibiza and Bonk ‘abaphandle in the traditional language isiZulu, completed the program. Furthermore the participants were introduced into the diversity of African sounds. Michael Barrett mentioned that this diversity in Africa represents a great challenge but also a strength with regards to choral as well as everyday life issues.

TUKS Camerata is the choir of the University of Pretoria and was established in 1968. The singers strive towards the highest possible artistic standards together with a code of conduct that meets the highest requirements of companionship. Its conductor Michael Barrett led his choir during his last visit in Riga at the World Choir Games 2014 to 2 Gold Medals and achieved the Champions title in the category Mixed Youth Choirs.

The World Choir Games 2018 will take place from July 4-14, 2018 in Tshwane in South Africa. More impressions from this year's Grand Prix of Nations Riga 2017 & 3rd European Choir Games are available on Facebook.

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