Festive Celebrations

1 December 2024

A Festive Celebration: The Joy of Our Christmas Concert

The UP Youth Choir, in collaboration with talented guest performers, delivered a breathtaking Christmas concert that left the audience filled with joy, gratitude, and the holiday spirit. Taking place on a beautiful December evening, this event celebrated the season of giving and unity through the universal language of music.

A Joyful Beginning: UP Youth Choir

The evening began with the vibrant sounds of the UP Youth Choir, under the guidance of Artistic Director Lhente-Mari Pitout and accompanied by the talented Morné van der Westhuyzen. Their rendition of Joy to the World set the perfect tone, followed by the heartfelt Give Me an African Christmas, which uniquely blended cultural richness with festive cheer. Classics like Jingle Bells and Feliz Navidad brought a sense of nostalgia, while Lead Me Lord / The Prayer moved hearts with its spiritual depth.

A Showcase of Variety and Talent

The variety program highlighted the diverse talents of our guest performers. Morné, Talita, and Wilando delighted the audience with a lively Christmas Medley on piano and saxophones. Ofentse and Lhente’s duet of The Goodness of God was a beautiful testament to faith and gratitude. The Maifadi Family’s acapella performance of the Sesotho hymn Nako e nse e feta added a soulful touch, reminding us of the sacredness of the season.

The harmonious collaboration of St Mary’s DSG Salon Singers and Pretoria Boys High Harmonics in I’ll Be Home for Christmas and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas brought warmth and nostalgia. Soloists Reynhardt and Lhente captivated with The Christmas Song and Grown-Up Christmas List, while the interactive Somer Kersfees had the audience singing along with UPYC management. The solemn beauty of O Come, O Come Emmanuel, featuring Morné on piano and Krayno on cello, was a poignant moment of reflection.

The Canendo Project Choir’s Elegance

Under the baton of Herman Swanepoel, the Canendo Project Choir brought a classical touch to the evening. Their repertoire included the jubilant Exsultate Justi In Domino and the ethereal In Dulci Jubilo. The audience was spellbound by How Great Our Joy and While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, showcasing the choir’s exceptional artistry and precision.

A Grand Finale

The night concluded with a grand finale as all performers united for Sing Noel, spreading a message of hope and celebration. The powerful delivery of O Holy Night left everyone in awe, drawing the curtain on an unforgettable evening.

Thank You to All

This concert was a testament to the power of collaboration, passion, and community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Artistic Directors, accompanists, guest performers, and the audience who joined us. Together, we created a magical evening of music and togetherness.

As we look forward to the coming year, may the spirit of this concert carry us all with joy, love, and hope. Until next time, may your days be merry and bright!