New anthem to premiere at World Choir Games

‘One Voice – Anthem for the World Choir Games’ replaces the ‘Choir Olympic Hymn’, which has been performed since 2000 when the games were held for the first time in Linz, Austria.  

This 2018 edition of the games marks the first time the competition will be held on African soil.

“The new anthem is fantastic. We’re sure that this is one of the most beautiful compositions Rutter has written so far,” Interkultur senior artistic director Prof Ralf Eisenbeiss said.  “We’re very proud of this cooperation. When many voices join together, then you have a choir singing with one voice, one hope, to one heart’s desire.”

Rutter’s new piece is expected to touch the hearts of thousands of singers and viewers from all over the world. Rutter’s previous works include ‘Requiem’ (1985), ‘Magnificat’ (1990), ‘Te Deum’ (1990), ‘Mass of the Children’ (2003) and ‘Visions’ (2016).

Rutter, a conductor, arranger and a choral music record producer of repute, has worked with high profile British music composer Sir David Willcocks whom he collaborated with on five volumes of the successful Carols for Choirs anthology series.

More choirs added to the WCG

About 400 choirs from 65 countries are scheduled to stir Tshwane in 27 electrifying categories. The choirs will compete for top honours while learning from each other’s unique cultures and singing styles. The WCG prides itself in breaking cultural barriers and providing a platform where individuals from around the world compete under the banner of unity, much like the Olympic Games.

South Korean Show Choir

WCG is known for bringing some of the world’s best choirs at its events. Choirs like the South Korean Show Choir, which sang at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games in February, is one such choir. The group will perform a wide repertoire of pop music combined with a cappella, rap, beatbox and street dance elements, as well as classical choir music.

Founded in March 2013, the Korean choir made a quick start and emerged as a top contender at international competitions. The choir debuted at the 2016 WCG in Sochi, Russia, where it scooped two gold medals.

Winelands Chamber Choir

The Winelands Chamber Choir, whose repertoire ranges from classical to contemporary choral arrangements, is a non-profit organisation based in the Winelands district of the Western Cape in South Africa. The choir was established in 2010 by former teachers, members of the then Paarl Schools Music Centre and the Paarl/Wellington Regional Children’s Choir, who came together to pay tribute in song to the late Norma Norman, who served for both institutions as secretary.

By entering the WCG, the choir aims to expand its presence and reach out to more people through its magnificent performances. No stranger to choral competitions, the Winelands Chamber Choir began participating in vocal competitions in 2014 and won a trophy in the Mixed Choir category at the ATKV/Rapport Suidooster Fees competition.

The choir is also known for hosting various concerts whose proceeds are channelled to charity organisations and individuals in need.  

Sefako Makgatho University Chorale

Sefako Makgatho University Chorale (SMU Chorale) is a South African choir comprising Sefako Makgatho University and the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital staff members.  

Founded by Richard Maboa in 1978, the choir – which is under the tutelage of Tshepo Matlala – is known for making progress in most local choral competitons. They have won the Sedibeng Competition, the Tshwane Choral Music Competition, the Gauteng Choral Music Association Eisteddfod and the National Choral Music Achievement (NACMA) Awards.

Gibraltar Youth Choir

Formerly known as Santos Productions Academy Choir, the Gibraltar Youth Choir comprises singers between the ages of eight and 21. The Gibraltar Youth Choir will compete in the Pop Ensembles and Scenic Pop/Show Choirs categories under the instruction of Christian Santos.

The Gibraltar Youth Choir pocketed its biggest success by earning the champions title at the European Choir Games in the Jazz and Pop and Gospel and Spiritual categories.  

University of Warsaw Collegium Musicum Chamber Choir

The University of Warsaw Collegium Musicum Chamber Choir was founded by the employees and graduates of the University of Warsaw in 1994. Aspired to follow the medieval tradition of a collegium musicum (academic society), the choir will represent Poland at the WCG.

The chamber choir was established to create, organise and manage musical activities at the university and give non-musicians an opportunity to perform music at a professional level. The University of Warsaw Collegium Musicum Chamber comprising up to 30 singers and should be  favourite with the WCG 2018 crowd.

For more information about the WCG, visit the Interkultur website.