Angelic voices at eisteddfod
The choirs at this year's eisteddfod did not fail to impress the judges.
Few things can cause goosebumps like the sound of young voices harmonising perfectly. At last week’s song section of the annual eisteddfod in Mbombela, choirs as well as individual song performances received mixed feedback from this year’s head vocal judge, Gisela de Villiers.
In the age group for u/13 individuals last Monday De Villiers struggled to award high grades because the songs were too depressing for such young children. “Everyone sang about death and fires and how people should all die together. It was terribly depressing and totally unfitting for this age group,” she said. “Many singers also struggled to provide the ‘body’ needed to perform many of the songs. In simple terms, the songs were too difficult for you.”
In the choir category on Friday, however, De Villiers was blown away by the sheer elegance with which three high schools executed their performances. Hoërskool Lydenburg received a standing ovation for its rendition of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and “Thula Sizwe”.
De Villiers awarded it a well-deserved 90 per cent. “I could see the choir of Curro School is new. There were a few pitch faults, but overall they did well for a two-year-old choir.” It received 80 per cent. Barberton High School was the surprise of the day with its gospel-inspired set. The choir introduced a tuba and djembe drum, which left the judges in awe.
“This is the type of music which will leave the unbeliever to be at least half a believer,” she said. It was also awarded
90 per cent. The eisteddfod will draw to a close on August 27, ending off with the instrumental music category. The gala evening will take place on September 17.
