Children's choir to host visitors

THE Eastern Cape Children's Choir (ECCC) will have its time to shine on August 22 when they will receive guest choirs from both Germany and Stellenbosch.

The ECCC, which was established in 1982, will host Landesjugendchor Saar, a choir from the Saarland region in Germany, as well as the Stellenbosch University Chamber Choir at the Dutch Reformed Church in Summerstrand.

Then, on September 4, the choir will also take part in the Prestige Concert – an annual concert hosted in partnership with the Eastern Cape Junior Children's Choir and this year's host, the Eastern Cape Youth Choir. The Eastern Cape Children's Choir is currently under leadership of veteran choirmaster Lionel van Zyl, a senior lecturer at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's school of music.

There are a number of prominent public figures who had their beginnings by being part of the Eastern Cape Children's Choir in their youth.

These include Miss SA first princess Ziphozakhe Zokufa; Andiswa Makana, whom is now achieving international acclaim for her exceptional soprano voice, as well as Liske Potgieter, a finalist of last year's ATKV singing competition.

The choir was supposed to travel to Europe for their 12th European tour in September and October.

The tour, however, had to be postponed for a year due to financial constraints. Tour organiser Henriette Visser said they would follow through with their plans for a tour and hopefully be able to go in future.

"Our biggest challenge is funding at the moment," Vissder explained. "The choir has developed from what used to be a 'rich man's' choir to one in which children are accepted from any socio-economic background.

"It can sometimes be difficult for parents to contribute to the choir fund which can cost about R2500 per year," she said.

For more information about the choir, and upcoming performances, contact Lyzet du Preez at info@eccchoir.com or visit - Deon van der Walt