The choir arrived in Wellen, in the Belgian province of Limburg, on Tuesday (9/12) for their tour. They will perform in Hasselt, Zonhoven, Ghent, Bilzen, Leuven, and Bruges, concluding the tour with a concert in Tongeren, the oldest town in Belgium. Other highlights include a performance at Unesco’s International Day of Light and appearances at various Christmas markets.

Members and their parents, their conductor, and choreographer left Bloemfontein on Monday after staging sold-out gala concerts on 3 and 4 December in UFS’s Odeion.

“It is the African music that overseas audiences enjoy the most and specifically requested for the tour,” said conductor Werner Stander. “The choir is excited to spread South Africa’s vibrant musical spirit across international stages.

“Audiences can look forward to a vibrant and uplifting showcase. The choir will be performing traditional numbers, including “Sanbonani”, “Shosholoza”, and “Sounds of Africa”, a work that represents rain and thunder with miraculous hand and mouth sounds.”

Speaking to OFM News, choir head girl and first soprano Annah Grunow said: “I’ve been in the choir for seven years now. I’m looking forward to the Christmas market where we perform at Winterland, and it’s so beautiful, and there are so many rides, and it’s just gorgeous.”

Choir head boy Waldo Meyer is excited to spend time with his friends on the tour and to strengthen their friendship. He’s also excited about the food. The choir’s closing concert in Belgium will be in a cathedral in Tongeren, where the choir will be accompanied by an orchestra.

Alto Ndinani Salman said she is looking forward to performing in front of new people, tasting new foods, and “just walking around and enjoying a new area and vibes”.

“I am looking forward to performing in the EU parliament in front of all those people overseas,” said fellow alto Riley Olivier.

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh