The choral community is in mourning following the news that the Mpumalanga Youth Choir conductor, André Oosthuizen, passed away.

André had a fatal heart attack yesterday. He was 63 years old.

“André was a man who lived life in high definition. For him, it was always a matter of excellence,” those close to him said.

They described him as a leader who saw no ‘grey areas’.

A legacy of excellence

André’s journey in education and music reached a turning point in 2011 when he joined Hoërskool Patriot as a mathematics teacher.

While he was dedicated to the classroom, his heart belonged to the stage.

He immediately took over the school choir, and by 2014, he succeeded Surette Prinsloo as the conductor of the Mpumalanga Youth Choir.

Under his baton, both the Patriot school choir and the provincial youth choir reached unprecedented heights.

He was known for his uncompromising standards.

Despite his love for music, he remained a teacher at heart, always insisting that his students prioritise their academics.

André was more than a conductor

Beyond the music, André was a mentor and a father figure to hundreds of choristers.

His impact on his students extended far beyond the rehearsal room.

HERE IS A VIDEO WHERE HE INSPIRES HIS STUDENTS TO REACH HIGHER

André’s life was defined by a deep-seated love for children, and he believed in each child’s potential.

André transformed the lives of many young singers across the province.

He was committed to broadening his students’ horizons, organising travels and performances that allowed many children to experience parts of the world they otherwise would have never seen.

The much-loved conductor leaves behind a legacy, underlined by discipline and passion for music, which could fill volumes.

Breaking news at your fingertips … 

Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram or TikTok

Chat to us: info@witbanknews.co.za