Johannesburg soloist celebrates 45 years of sharing her song

For Alna van der Watt, singing is more than a hobby; it is a lifelong passion that has brought joy, fulfilment and a sense of purpose for 45 years.

Amateur singer and soloist with both the Mozart Choir of Johannesburg and Corro Verdi, the Italian choir of Johannesburg, Van der Watt says music continues to energise and refresh her. She describes singing as the language of the soul, explaining that the harmonies experienced during rehearsals and performances play an important role in her well-being.

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Having started singing later in life, her journey has not been without challenges. Finding the right vocal teacher and developing her technique required patience, dedication and consistent practice. She currently continues to work with her fifth singing teacher and enjoys the learning process. She believes that singing is physically demanding and requires the same discipline as any other sporting activity, including getting enough sleep, eating healthily and exercising the body through activities, such as walking.

Over the years, Van der Watt has accumulated numerous A++ gold certificates, which serve as reminders of her achievements and motivation to keep improving. However, she believes that recognition means little without a genuine love and passion for music. According to Van der Watt, one of the greatest rewards of singing is the ability to bring happiness, not only to herself, but also to an audience while communicating meaningful messages through music. “All of us have unique, God-given voices. What you do about it makes it more or less pleasurable to listen to,” Van der Watt says.

She believes singing is a way of worshipping God, adding that lifting one’s voice in praise is something truly special. Van der Watt encourages aspiring singers to find a good vocal teacher, work hard, pace themselves and prioritise their health. She further encourages everyone to sing, whether in a church or community choir or simply in the shower, believing that singing is good for the soul.

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Reflecting on the film Florence Foster Jenkins, she shares a memorable quote from the story. “People may say that I can’t sing, but no one can say that I didn’t sing.”

For Van der Watt, the message is simple: singing is not about perfection; it’s about the courage to share one’s voice and the happiness that comes with doing so.

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