Werner Stander, Frélet de Villiers en Xander Steyn.
Werner Stander, Frélet de Villiers and Xander Steyn.

Bloemfontein Children’s Choir celebrate winter in concert


As the Bloemfontein Children’s Choir celebrates 39 years of musical excellence, audiences can look forward to an inspiring afternoon of sacred music, international folk songs, classical favourites, contemporary entertainment, and vibrant African music.

Under the direction of Werner Stander, with Frelét de Villiers as accompanist and Xander Steyn as creative director and choreographer, the concert promises warmth, energy, and musical artistry of the highest standard.

Fresh from its highly successful 2025 Belgian Christmas Tour, the choir returns to the stage after performing sixteen concerts across Belgium, including a special performance at the European Parliament in Brussels, appearances in cathedrals and concert halls in Bruges, Leuven, and St. Truiden, as well as performances at various Christmas markets.

The tour also featured collaborations with renowned Belgian artists Lisa Del Bo and Belle Perez, together with Harmonie Herderen under the baton of Toon Debaye. The tour once again strengthened the Bloemfontein Children’s Choir’s longstanding cultural ties with Belgium, where the choir has been warmly welcomed for nearly three decades.

The Winter Concert programme on 31 May at the Anglican Cathedral in Bloemfontein, features a rich variety of repertoire, including sacred works such as “Shout For Joy” by Franco Prinsloo, “Cantate Domino” by Charlotte Botha, and the spiritual “The Storm is Passing Over”. Audiences will also enjoy music from around the world, including the Japanese folk song “Aizu Bandai San”, the lively “Johnny Said, No!”, and the humorous “Uh, Hum!”.

Highlights of the concert include beloved favourites such as Disney Movie Showstoppers, the entertaining “Duetto buffo di due gatti” by Rossini, and the dramatic “O Fortuna” from Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. The concert culminates in a powerful celebration of African music with Sounds of Africa and an energetic African medley featuring “Hae na Mariki”, “Amavolovolo”, “Thula Thu”, “Sesivuma Sigiya”, and “Shosholoza”.

Founded in 1987 by Huibrie Verster, the Bloemfontein Children’s Choir has become one of South Africa’s most celebrated children’s choirs, earning acclaim locally and internationally through performances across Europe, Asia, and the United States.

The choir continues to inspire audiences with its musical versatility, vibrant performances, and commitment to artistic excellence.

This Winter Concert offers audiences the opportunity to experience the beauty and joy of choral music in one of Bloemfontein’s most historic and atmospheric venues.
Tickets cost R120 and are available online on Webtickets. The concert will start on Sunday 31 May at 16:00 at the cathedral in St George’s Street.

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