The 90-member Kovsie choir will take audiences through a diverse programme, while also reflecting on six decades of local and international performances. The anniversary comes as the choir looks to build on its legacy and create new opportunities for the next generation of student performers.

The concert starts at 18:30 and will celebrate the rich history of the 90-member student choir, which was founded in 1966 by Professor Chris Swanepoel. Affectionately known as the Kovsie Choir, the ensemble has become one of the university’s flagship artistic groups, representing UFS and South Africa on stages locally and internationally.

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The choir has toured several countries in Europe, including Sweden, as well as Israel and Egypt, earning numerous gold medals and other accolades along the way.

“The anniversary is an important milestone for an ensemble that has continued to grow over six decades,” said UFS choir conductor Werner Stander. “We are super excited about the concert because this choir has been part of the university’s musical programme for so many years.

“The choir has been going from strength to strength since 1966. It has done international trips and local trips, so the choir is really a flagship instrument of the university. It’s very important for students to travel abroad, to see and experience different countries and cultures, but also to bring our music to those countries.

“The choir has a very unique sound. What is very interesting about this choir is that it can do Western music and African music and present it to an equal standard. We need to stay up to standard and also bring our music to as many people as possible and fulfil our role as a university choir in the Free State.

“For the gala concert we’ve got a versatile programme, really an eclectic programme, and audiences can expect music from the Romantic era, Mozart, Arvo Pärt and fantastic South African composers. The choir wants to continue reaching communities and educating people about choral music, both nationally and internationally.”

Following the gala concert, the choir will travel to Stellenbosch to participate in KUESTA, a university choir festival featuring ensembles from institutions including Stellenbosch University, the University of Johannesburg and North-West University.

Tickets for the gala concert are available through Quicket or at the door.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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