Music instruments have the unique quality that no two will ever sound exactly the same. Although two violins might play together, each will still have its own unique “voice”, and when it comes to choirs, it’s exactly the same.
On the 27th of February the audience of the NWU School of Music and Conservatory had the privilege to be part of the fair-well tour of the world renowned choral conductor and composer, Bengt Ollën. Potchefstroom was one of the last towns where you could hear the choir of the Stockholm Musikgymnasium conducted by this talented choral conductor.
The choir’s South African tour started in Gauteng, with Potchefstroom as their second stop, before they travelled on to KwaZulu-Natal and the Cape. The tour was undertaken in honour of the choral director Bengt Ollën’s retirement as teacher at the Stockholm Musikgymnasium at the end of the year. He’s has been the conductor of the choir since 1994, and is also known for his work as choral conductor and founder of the Sofia vocal ensemble and the Amanda vocal ensemble.
With their first song the choir surprised audience members by entering from the back of the hall and singing amongst them. The rest of the repertoire comprised of variation of original works by Bengt Ollën, Swedish folk songs and “favourite” choral arrangements from Europe. The choir also performed an African song, the unique Xhosa song “Indodana”. Their mature sound in contrast with the members’ young age, was throughout performance flawless with regards to harmonies, homogenous sound and high musical standards.
“It’s always interesting to be exposed to other traditions and cultures,” said Kobus Venter, choral conductor of our own NWU Puk-Choir. “They have a style unique to Europe, and it’s always a pleasure to hear them sing.” Although I can’t understand a word of Swedish, the choir ensured that I understood every note with their song and interpretation. And I do believe that the audience would agree with me when I say, “Bravo Bengt! Bravo choir!”
Written by: Rouxné van der Westhuizen
Photo: Provide by Stockholm Musikgymnasium