Latest news with #AndrévanderMerwe
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Champions again: South Africa reigns in singing and dancing
The Stellenbosch University Choir and the South African senior street dance group won gold medals in their respective competitions. Gold medalists: The Stellenbosch University Choir and the SA street dance group. Pictures: stellenboschuniversity_choir/Instagram and @GautengSACR (X) Someone joked that each week, South Africa is announced as a champion in a particular sporting code or a Mzansi citizen shines on a world stage. The Stellenbosch University Choir and South Africa's senior street dance group are the latest to make their mark internationally. ALSO READ: 'No DNA, just RSA': Seven moments in 2024 that will fill you with patriotism [VIDEO] Stellenbosch University Choir The Stellenbosch University Choir earned three gold medals earlier this month at the Interkultur European Choir Games and Grand Prix of Nations 2025 competition in Aarhus, Denmark. Held from 28 June to 6 July, the international choir competition saw 132 choirs from 33 countries competing in various categories. The Stellenbosch University Choir was invited to participate in the Grand Prix of Nations and was the only choir representing South Africa and Africa. Longstanding conductor of the Stellenbosch University Choir, André van der Merwe, said he was proud of the students. 'They sing in the choir for the love of singing. And our marks of above 95% for all three categories are an incredible compliment at an international level. I am such a proud choir master,' said Van der Merwe on the university's website. Van der Merwe has been with the choir since 2003. 'When I look back on how we performed this week, I would not change anything, because it was both an amazing experience and an amazing learning opportunity,' said choir member and Stellenbosch University student Lambert Tuyishime. ALSO READ: Miss SA Mia Le Roux joins National Dialogue to 'ensure credibility' Street Dance champions In another proud moment for the country, the South African senior street dance group won a gold medal in the Street Dance category at the 2025 Dance World Cup, in Burgos, northern Spain. In this global dance competition, 50 countries were competing, with each country having only four spots available per age group and genre at the World Finals. South Africa won with a final score of 95.7%. Dance World Cup participants must qualify through the qualifier held in the country where their dance school is located to attend the DWC Finals. Dance schools in countries that host a DWC qualifier can only apply to enter the DWC Finals through their respective country's qualifier. The World Cup came to a close on Saturday with the South Africans returning home on Monday. NOW READ: Dating games: The 7 quiet signs of attraction
Time Out
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Sound On! Stellenbosch University choir strikes gold in Denmark
The Stellenbosch University Choir has once again made South Africa proud, clinching three gold medals at the 2025 Interkultur European Choir Games and Grand Prix of Nations in Aarhus, Denmark. Competing against 132 choirs from 33 countries, SU's choir was the only African representative and walked away with top scores in Adult Choirs, Jazz, Pop & Show, and Musica Sacra a Cappella categories. André van der Merwe, who has led the choir since 2003, expressed his pride in the students' dedication, 'They sing in the choir for the love of singing. Our marks of above 95% for all three categories are an incredible compliment at an international level. I am such a proud choir master.' Choir committee chairperson Talyah Greyling, a Master's student in Actuarial Science, highlighted the personal growth and unity forged on tour:`` 'Our slogan is 'a family of voices', and during this competition week we had the opportunity to live together, eat together, adventure together and get to know a whole new country and culture together.' Listen to their top-level performance of Coldplay's 'Fix You' in Aarhus, Denmark: Now's the perfect time to explore the choir's hometown of Stellenbosch, also described as South Africa's food capital by renowned chef Bertus Basson. Wine Town Stellenbosch returns from 26 July to 3 August 2025, bringing with it nine days of tastings, cellar tours, winemaker dinners and workshops - all leading up to the headline Stellenbosch Wine Festival on 1 & 2 August at the Town Hall. It's a celebration of South Africa's wine heritage with 50+ top producers (including first-timers like De Meye and Hidden Valley), over 200 wines, live music, and a lavish Graze Table curated by Basson's team.
