Canticum Novum to perform for Classical Sounds

Canticum Novum, the Stellenbosch-based a capella Christian choir, is the first choir to do a full concert programme for the Classical Sounds concert series. Classical Sounds was established in 2015, to encourage and fundraise for local musical talent, and create a performance platform for musicians. Since then, the series has presented more than nine free concerts, and donated more than R50 000 to these causes. Canticum Novum is the church choir of the Moederkerk in Stellenbosch, and is a concert choir with a passion for outreach (the name and motto, Cantate Domino Canticum Novum, means “Sing to the Lord a new song”). This is one of the oldest church choirs in South Africa – celebrating its 60th anniversary this year with a big choir and orchestra concert, hosted in the Endler Hall, Stellenbosch. Repertoire include works spanning many centuries and genres: from Renaissance motets, Irish hymns as well as meditative sung Taizé songs and traditional African hymns. The concert takes place at the Helderberg Dutch Reformed Church, on Sunday May 5, at 3pm. Entry is free, and donations are welcomed. Refreshments will be on sale in the tent before and after the concert. No booking is required. For more information, contact the music director, Yolanda Botha, at helderbergconcerts@gmail.com