Three Top Choirs to Share Stage at Oude Libertas Amphitheatre, Nov 30

The picturesque Oude Libertas Amphitheatre in Stellenbosch will come alive with the glorious sounds of three leading South African choirs on Saturday 30 November. The Cape Town Youth Choir, Joyful Harmonies from Gugulethu and the Cape Soloists Choir will share this exquisite stage under the stars in a performance called 3 Times Choir Power - a proud celebration of the rich and outstanding choral singing traditions in South Africa.

With the kaleidoscope of musical styles offered by these top choirs, the audience is bound to be taken on an extraordinary musical journey - from the sacred tones of 15th century church music to the powerful vocal energies of township life in Cape Town.

Joyful Harmonies pays tribute to works by South African composers, mainly sung in Zulu and Xhoza, including a sparkling rendition of the Afrikaans folk song, Kinders moenie in die water mors nie. Cape Town Youth Choir will take listeners around the globe by performing works in English, French, Chinese and Afrikaans, as well as visiting the magical worlds of vocalising and overtone singing.

The Cape Soloists Choir will present a programme of compositions by the famous Norwegian composer Knut Nystedt, widely regarded as the father of contemporary choral music, who based his highly advanced choral compositions on Gregorian chant and the music of the master Renaissance composer, Palestrina.

To round off the evening of superb choral singing under the stars, all three choirs will come together on stage for an inspiring and fitting finale to pay tribute to South Africa's diverse and unique singing heritage.

3 Times Choir Power will be presented at the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre in Stellenbosch on Saturday 30 November at 20h15. Tickets at R 130 and R 150 are available from Computicket or telephonically on 021 809 7473 / 7380 during office hours.

Cape Town Youth Choir: The Cape Town Youth Choir, formerly known as the Pro Cantu Youth Choir, was founded in 1997 and is conducted by award-winning choral conductor Leon Starker. The choir provides an opportunity for all young South Africans to sing in a choir of the highest standards whilst providing a moving musical experience to its audiences. The recipient of many top international prizes in choral singing competitions, the Cape Town Youth Choir is currently ranked 14th on the Interkultur World Rankings Musica Sacra list.

Joyful Harmonies: Joyful Harmonies is based in the vibrant townships of Gugulethu and Khayalitsha in Cape Town and is conducted by Monde Mdingi. Since it establishment in 2010, the choir has been successful in winning two of South Africa's biggest Choral competitions - the Old Mutual/National Choir Festival and the South African Post Office/SACMA competition. The choir draws its 45 main members from music students at University of Cape Town, students from other institutions and fields, current learners at Fezeka and other high schools, workers and young members from the community in general.

Cape Soloists Choir: The Cape Soloists Choir, a group of 18 solo voices, was launched to great acclaim in June 2013 by Jaco Dippenaar. Members are all professionally trained singers and current or future soloists in their respective styles of singing. The choir aims to take choral singing to exciting new frontiers by performing inspiring and innovative programmes which demand close to perfect singing abilities from the performers.

About The Oude Libertas Amphitheatre: The ambience and tranquility of the Greek-style Oude Libertas Amphitheatre makes it one of the most beautiful open-air venues in South Africa. Every summer the Amphitheatre stages a variety of acclaimed productions across a wide range of genres. Over the past 36 years, theatre lovers have enjoyed some of the best South African and international productions at this unique venue. Bring your picnic basket on Sundays during the season and enjoy a glass of wine in the beautiful gardens that surround the theatre. The Amphitheatre is open to the public during the summer season from November to March. The Oude Libertas offers you a collection of artistic, theatre and lifestyle experiences as well as vital insight into community and environmental developmental initiatives. It houses the Distell Foundation, a Saturday market, an art gallery, conference facilities, youth programmes and one of the the oldest and most established open-air stages in South Africa. The mostly Spanish architecture of the theatre, inspired by the Tarragon Amphitheatre in Spain and the Veakion Amphitheatre in Piraeus, Greece, adds to the splendorous setting. Over the past 36 years the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre has become the home of the stars under the stars, with a wide variety of artists performing annually during the summer season. The intimacy of the beautifully situated theatre provides a suitable stage for various art forms. The best of South African talent and productions are showcased during the performance season. The magnificent view of the Stellenbosch mountain range and vineyards, the charming old trees and picturesque gardens, form a unique paradise for picnic lovers and visitors and provide a destination for all art and music lovers.

Oude Libertas Amphitheatre contact details: 021 809 7473 / 7380 (during office hours); theatre@oudelibertas.co.za; www.oudelibertas.co.za. Physical Address: Corner of Adam Tas & Oude Libertas Rd, Stellenbosch

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