Victor Mecoamere

Victor Mecoamere

Intense preparations have started for the 2008 Transnet Foundation, SABC and Sowetan Massed Choir Festival.

It takes place at the Standard Bank Arena, Johannesburg, on November 9 at 2pm. Tickets go on sale next month.

Rehearsals were held at the weekend, featuring some of the participating conductors.

They included Danny Pooe of Shalom Chorale, Mzilikazi Khumalo of Soweto Songsters, Ludumo Magangane of Bonisudumo Choristers, Johnny Sehanka of African Sweet Melodies, Mamsy Bhangaza of Mogale City Chorale, Tshepo Sehau of Vaal Choristers, Malibongwe Ngoza of Gauteng SAPS Choir, Khanyisa Dutywa of Kathorus Choristers and Koos Mhlongo of Gauteng Choristers.

The rehearsals were conducted by festival leaders Maga- ngane and Pooe, with Mokale Koapeng, Thabiso Mosabala and Thulasizwe Nkabinde. Koapeng provided accompaniment on the piano.

The festival is part of the Aggrey Klaaste Nation Building Foundation's youth and community development projects and a part of the SABC and Transnet Foundation's corporate social investment and responsibility portfolios.

It serves as a launching pad for great things on the classical music scene for young soloists. This year's crop is mezzo soprano Nonhlanhla Yende, bass Timothy Matlala, soprano Pretty Yende and tenor Monwabisi Lindi, who will be backed by:

l Bonisudumo Choristers;

l East Rand Chorale;

l Kathorus Choristers;

l Mogale City Chorale;

l Soweto Songsters;

l Vaal Choristers;

l African Sweet Melodies;

l Gauteng SAPS Choir;

l Mangaung SAPS Choir from Free State;

l Gauteng Choristers;

l SABC Choir;

l Amazwi KaNtu Choir

l Garankuwa Community Choir;

l Mamelodi Philharmonic Chorus;

l Shalom Chorale;

l Manzini Symphony Chorus from Swaziland;

l Papaya from Denmark;

l Mvezo Community Choir from Eastern Cape and Chitungwiza Harmony Singers from Zimbabwe.