Lhente-Mari Pitout, an acclaimed musician and music educator, has dedicated her life to promoting the rich traditions of the South African choral field. As a conductor, musician, and adjudicator in both classical and contemporary genres, she has gained a reputation as one of the most highly esteemed female educators and choral conductors in South Africa.

With a passion for music education, Lhente has worked tirelessly to promote the development of the arts in South Africa. Her commitment to the performing arts has earned her numerous awards, including recognition as a singer and conductor. Several organizations have awarded her prizes for her contributions to the arts.

Lhente’s reputation as a choral clinician and adjudicator has taken her to Europe and North America, where she has conducted at national and international festivals. Singers and conductors worldwide respect her as a choral expert, and she has shared her expertise with them.

Lhente has conducted the UP Youth Choir since 2005, and she is also the conductor of the highly prestigious and award-winning Pretoria Boys High School Choir and the St Mary’s Singers. She has co-founded the South African Youth Music and Arts Development Foundation, which seeks to empower young people through music education and other artistic endeavors.

Renowned conductors from across the globe recognized Lhente’s passion for music and talent as a musician at a young age when she had the opportunity to work and sing with them. These experiences shaped her into the accomplished educator and conductor she is today.

During her six years representing South Africa in the World Youth Choir and World Chamber Choir, Lhente toured and performed in over 15 countries. She worked with conductors such as Frieder Bernius, Tonu Kaljuste, Kåre Hanken, Robert Sund, María Guinand, André Thomas, Paul Smith, Anton Armstrong, Philippe Eskerei, Peter Erdei, Gary Graden, Steve Zegree, Michelle Weir, Roberto Gini, Peter Deijkstra, Volker Hempfling, Nobuaki Tanaka, and Bobby McFarrin.

Lhente has served on numerous boards, including the World Youth Choir, and she acts as a representative of UNESCO with the title Ambassador of Good Will, World Chamber Choir.

Through her work as an educator, conductor, and ambassador, Lhente has inspired countless students, singers, and artists to express themselves and realize their dreams through the performing arts. Her contributions to the South African choral field and the arts community at large have made her a respected and beloved figure in the world of music.

For over 12 years, Herman has actively contributed to the UPYC community. He started as a singer and gradually moved up to become the Assistant Conductor in 2009. Throughout his journey, UPYC has opened numerous avenues for him, allowing him to nurture his passion for music and explore new horizons.

Herman currently conducts six choirs, each showcasing his unique arrangements of African music, which have earned accolades across Canada and parts of the USA. His dedication and hard work have been the driving force behind his success as a conductor and arranger.

Apart from his musical endeavors, Herman has a deep-seated passion for music education and character building. He firmly believes that music has the power to shape one’s character and instill discipline and perseverance. As a result, he has tirelessly worked towards creating a conducive environment for young musicians to grow and develop their musical skills.

Herman’s passion for music education is evident in his work with UPYC. He has been instrumental in organizing workshops, masterclasses, and concerts, giving young musicians the opportunity to showcase their talent and learn from experienced professionals. His unwavering commitment to excellence has been an inspiration to the entire UPYC community.

Herman’s contributions to UPYC have not gone unnoticed. His arrangements of African music have been highly acclaimed, and his dedication to music education has earned him respect and admiration from his peers and students alike. He has been a valuable asset to the UPYC family, and his passion and hard work have made a significant impact on the organization.

In conclusion, Herman’s journey with UPYC has been nothing short of remarkable. His dedication and hard work have made him a respected figure in the music community, and his passion for music education has inspired countless young musicians to pursue their dreams. As UPYC continues to grow and evolve, Herman’s contributions will undoubtedly remain an integral part of its success story.

My association with UPYC has enabled me to witness firsthand the potential of the youth in South Africa. Despite starting out as timid singers, these talented individuals develop into confident young adults who not only gain musical skills but also valuable life skills.

The environment provided by UPYC allows the youth to cultivate their unique talents, making them more interesting individuals for their families and communities. This is undoubtedly the recipe for success.

The singers’ enthusiasm led to the establishment of UPYC, which aims to bring communities together. To finance this initiative, the choir sells beaded products made by street artists in Pretoria, and the disabled community packages and markets them to international audiences.

Michael, a bead artist, shares his experience working on the project, “Creating the beaded products has not only helped me support my family financially but has also enabled me to provide employment to my colleagues during large orders. It has given me the courage to continue doing what I love and teaching others along the way.”

The youth’s passion for music runs through their veins, creating a positive culture that bridges the challenges of the diverse communities in our country.

Changing the world, one voice at a time!

Herman, a dedicated and passionate singer, joined UPYC in 2016 and has since been an active member of the choir. He traveled across Europe and Canada with the choir, creating unforgettable memories with his fellow singers while exploring the world. Herman’s devotion to music fueled his desire to contribute to the choir that had provided him with so much.

In 2019, UPYC offered Herman an internship with the management team. He worked alongside the executive team, using his experience as a choir member to ensure that new singers received the same opportunities and experiences that he had. Herman worked tirelessly to guarantee that new members had equal chances to thrive in the choir.

Thanks to Herman’s dedication and hard work, he earned a promotion to Manager and Graphic Designer in 2020. He spoke about his love and passion for UPYC, explaining how being part of the choir had transformed his outlook on life and helped him grow as a person. Herman cherished his experiences with UPYC and believed they were invaluable, having had a profound impact on his personal growth.