Canticum Novum is an a cappella choir from the Cape Winelands specialising in sacred music. Its name and motto, “Sing to the Lord a new song!” (Cantate Domino Canticum Novum), are taken from Psalm 98.
They are on a tour through the Boland and will entertain audiences with a repertoire ranging from Gregorian chant to extracts from Karl Jenkins’ “Stabat Mater” and much more. ’n
One of the oldest choirs in South Africa, Canticum celebrated its 60th year in 2019.
In addition to presenting an annual a cappella programme spanning music of more than four centuries, Canticum also performs choral and orchestral works on a regular basis, among them Händel’s “Messiah” and Mozart’s “Requiem”, which led to choir tours in Germany and the USA.
Canticum’s main objective is to be an outreach choir, of which their annual tour is an integral part.
Apart from singing at church services and presenting concerts, the choir also sings at old-age homes, children’s homes and prisons, where they strive to pass on the love of God through song.
The choir has been under the direction of Yolanda Botha since 2019. She is an active performer, choir and orchestra conductor, in addition to being the musical director and founder of the concert series Classical Sounds.
Bennie van Eeden, renowned pianist, accompanist and retired Stellenbosch University lecturer, has acted as the choir’s accompanist since 2022.
The 2022 tour will take the choir to Worcester, Robertson, McGregor and Montagu.
V Canticum Novum will sing in Montagu’s Ou Sendingkerk on Monday, 8 August, at 17:00. Admission is free, but a donation will be greatly appreciated. To find out more, visit their Facebook page: CanticumNovumStb or email canticumnovumstb@gmail.com.
