Clermont Community Choir wins festival
The Clermont Community Choir took home the first prize of R250 000 from the Ekurhuleni Melting Pot Choral Festival, held on Saturday, last week, at Carnival City.
The competition was held in celebration of the late political stalwart, and one of South Africa’s greatest choral composers, Oliver Reginald Tambo.
Other top choirs that competed included Voices of the Nation and the Kopano Chorus from Tshwane, Gauteng Choristers representing Johannesburg, Thabong Choir and Belcanto Voices of the Free State, the Western Cape’s Heavenly Voices, fellow Natalians S A Singers and Eastern Cape favourites, the Transnet Port Terminal Choir.
After their western rendition, the Clermont Community Choir received a standing ovation from the crowd.
“We are overwhelmed; to be honest we did not see it coming,” said Wiseman Mkhize, CEO of the Durban-based choir.
“We never expected it because we were competing against the best choirs in the field.
“After we performed the western rendition, the choir just broke down, including me.
“I guess we were just emotional.”
Mkhize credited their success to hard work and determination.
The day began at the gravesite of Oliver and Adelaide Tambo in Wattville, where competing choirs recognised the couple’s contribution to South Africa today and drew inspiration for the tough day ahead.
The concert started on a high note, with performances by the Cinstar Male Choir, Khathorus Chorale and Mbizana High School Choir.
The exciting family affair kept music lovers entertained throughout the day, with guest performances by the Afro Tenors, Siphokazi and Zakes Bantwini.
The Chorale Festival was part of Ekurhuleni’s Tambo Month, which is celebrated annually, during October.
Commemorations will take a more serious tone this weekend, when the Tambo family and various national leaders pay homage to OR and Adelaide at a wreath-laying ceremony in Wattville.
