On Thursday, 4 August 2016, Varsity Sing moves to the Eastern Cape, where the talent from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), Rhodes University, and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) choirs will be showcased at the Feather Market Hall in Port Elizabeth.
The three universities hope to sing their way into the semi-finals of Varsity Sing over the next two episodes. Viewers are in for a musical treat as these choirs, two from the Eastern Cape and one from Gauteng, put on a cultural celebration, blended with an array of voices.
NMMU, under the leadership of choir conductor, Junita Lamprecht-Van Dijk, will perform Great God Almighty, while TUT will perform Op Die Rante. Commenting on their song choice, TUT choir conductor, Sibusiso Shongwe said that they wanted to do something different. “We have always been singing English, Latin and Soul pieces,” said Shongwe. “So we thought Afrikaans will be good for us. Besides, Op Die Rante is one very beautiful composition.”
Rhodes University choir conductor, Andrew John Bethke, wrote and composed their piece for their graduation ceremonies earlier this year. “Halalisa seeks to incorporate different musical styles and languages to best represent the university’s demographics,” Bethke said.
This episode will see guest judge, Emo Adams join the judging panel and viewers can expect some humorous remarks in between his serious critique.
Last week saw the choirs of Stellenbosch University and the University of the Western Cape progress to the semi-finals in the first knockout episode of the competition, as the University of Cape Town were eliminated.
Varsity Sing is broadcast on kykNET (DSTV channel 144) every Thursday night at 20h30, and will conclude in a 90-minute final on 13 October. For the full Varsity Sing schedule, click here.
