In September 2006 the Stellenbosch University Choir celebrated 70 years of choral activities with a reunion – 400 former members attended the festive occasion. This reunion was living testimony to the positive impact that the choir has had on choral activities in South Africa since 1936. In September 2007 the Stellenbosch University Choir hosted a choral festival (KUESTA) where South African university choirs gathered in Stellenbosch for a weekend of choral music.
2011 saw a tour to the Southern Cape as well as a successful visit to the University of Pretoria for the bi-annual KUESTA choral festival. The choir also held their 75th reunion over the first weekend of September 2011, which was attended by over 300 former members of the choir. An album, 2011 In Concert was also released, containing live performance recordings made in the Endler Hall during a Gala concert and in the Musaion at the University of Pretoria during KUESTA.
In the South African context, it becomes increasingly important for the choir to reach out to choirs in less fortunate communities[10]. During 2005 and 2006 the choir hosted an orphan children’s choir from Kayamandi – not only teaching music skills to the children, but also making the University Choir aware of the value of community service.
History
The choir was founded in 1936 by William Morris and has established itself as one of the best choirs in South Africa and the world!
Being the oldest continually running choir in the country, the Stellenbosch University Choir has a rich legacy that is celebrated by old members every five years at the reunion. The last reunion was in 2011 and marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the choir. The reunion was attended by over 300 members, both past and present, and from all the corners of the world.
The current as well as future success of the choir depends largely on the unique heritage and spirit within the choir community which is supported by the choir members, family and friends, as well as the newly established Stellenbosch University Choir Fund.
Previous conductors:
William Morris (1936–1939)
Gawie Cillié (1940–1954)
Philip McLachlan (1955–1976)
Johan de Villiers (1977–1984)
Acáma Fick (1985–1992)
Sonja van der Walt (1993–2002)
André van der Merwe (2003-)
Achievements
Currently the choir is ranked as the second best in the world by Musica Mundi. They are only 3 points behind the Jauniešu Koris Kamer from Latvia, conducted by Maris Sirmais, who are in first place.
> 2010 <
The Choir took part in the World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China, in July, and won the "Champion of the World Choir Games" title in two categories. They received 95.75 for the category: Mixed Choirs and 90.88 for the category: Musica Contemporanea (Contemporary Music).
The World Choir Games is the largest event of its kind. From 15 to 26 July 2010, Shaoxing hosted more than 20 000 choristers from 472 choirs and 83 countries. South Africa was represented by three choirs: Stellenbosch University Choir, Tygerberg Children's Choir and Kearsney College Choir. Stellenbosch University Choir received the highest score (95.75) of any choir participating in the competition, in the category for which they competed against 28 other choirs.
Andre van der Merwe, conductor of the Stellenbosch University Choir, said after the competition: “I am extremely proud of the discipline, passion and dedication of the 112 choir members!” Van der Merwe added that the choir received good television, radio and print exposure, and were excellent ambassadors for their country. They also took part in the champions’ concert, where they performed two competition works and a spiritual.
> 2008 <
In July 2008, the choir participated in the World Choir Games in Graz, Austria, where they received a gold medal in each of the three categories in which they participated. The choir was amongst 22 other choirs from South Africa who were selected to participate in this competition of more than 400 choirs. They won the category "Musica Sacra: Open Category" with 92.13 points and placed second in the category "Gospel & Spiritual" with 92.13 points. In the category "Mixed Youth Choirs", the choir came in fourth with 85.25 points.
At the end of August 2008 the Choir was ranked as the top choir in the category Musica Sacra (Sacred Music) and the fourth best choir overall in the world according to the Musica Mundi World Ranking List!
> 2004 <
In July 2004, the choir won the category "Youth Choirs" at the World Choir Games in Bremen, Germany with 93.13 points.
A definite highlight for the choir in 2004 was their participation with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra in Sinfonia Africana by Capetonian composer Hendrik Hofmeyr. This groundbreaking symphony (with an Afrikaans text) is scored for soprano, choir and orchestra.
Repertoire
Every year, the Choir sets out to improve on work done during the previous year. In this respect, there is a definite focus on assembling the repertoire. The repertoire usually incorporates pieces that aim to inspire both the choir members as well as the general audience, and to prepare the choir for future performances and events such as the World Choir Games.
With international events such as these, the repertoire mainly consists of pieces specifically selected to contribute to the overall success of the choir in the specific category of participation. These pieces are often vocally and artistically challenging as well as innovative and unique, with a major focus on modern compositions and uniquely adapted classical favourites.
Recorded media
Main article: Stellenbosch University Choir discography
The Stellenbosch University Choir usually records their full repertoire at the end of each year, normally in September, in the modern Endler Hall at the Conservatory of the University of Stellenbosch. The goal is to release an album every two years, although some exceptions have been made. Other recordings include live concert recordings and are usually sold for a limited time after the recorded performance. These usually include only some of the works prepared as part of the year's repertoire.
Albums:
2011 In Concert (2011)
Stellenbosch University Choir: 1936 - 2011 (2011)
Laudate (2008)
Illumina (2006)
Sinfonia Africana (2004)
Other recordings:
75th Reunion (2011)
KUESTA 2011 (2011)
2010 World Champions (2010)
KUESTA 2007 (2007)
70th Reunion (2006)
For more info, go to www.sun.ac.za/koor
Prayer
Stellenbosch University Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll be the one if you want me to
Anywhere, I would have followed you
Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I
Am feeling so small
It was over my head
I know nothing at all
Will stumble and fall
I'm still learning to love
Just starting to crawl
Say something, I'm giving up on you
Mmmm...
I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
Oh, no
Anywhere I would have followed you
Ohhh...
Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I
Will swallow my pride
You're the one that I love
And I'm saying goodbye
Whoa oh oh...
Say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something
Say something
Say something
I'll be the one if you want me to
Whoa oh oh
Say something
Say something
Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'll be the one if you want me to
Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'll be the one if you want me to
Say, say something, I'm giving up on you
(say something, I'm giving...)
Oh whoa...
(...up on you, whoa I'll...)
I'll be the one if you want me to
(...be the one if you...)
Oh whoa...
(...want me to, oh, say something, I'm giving up on you)
Say something, I'm giving up
(whoa oh oh...)
(I'll be the one if you want me to)
If you want me to, oh, if you want me to
(whoa oh oh)
Anywhere, I would have followed you
Whoa...
Say something
(say something)
Say something
(say something)
Say something
(say something)
Ahh, ooh...
Say something, I'm giving up on you
Oh whoa...
The song 'Say Something' by the Stellenbosch University Choir is an emotive ballad expressing the feelings of desperation and sadness after a relationship breakdown. The singer is pleading for their lover to say something, indicating that they are giving up on the relationship. The chorus reinforces the theme of the song, as the singer repeatedly says that they will be the one to follow the lover anywhere if they say something. The verse conveys the sense of helplessness and confusion, as the singer professes their smallness and lack of understanding, still learning to love and struggling to crawl. The bridge marks a turning point as the singer swallows their pride and acknowledges their feelings, saying goodbye to the lover who they still love.
Overall, the song is a heartfelt expression of the complex emotions that arise during a relationship breakdown. The singer conveys their vulnerability and desire to salvage the relationship, while also recognizing the need to move on. The emotional power of the song is amplified by the choir's rich harmonies and moving instrumentation, which perfectly capture the mood of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Say something, I'm giving up on you
Please communicate with me because I'm about to give up on our relationship
I'll be the one if you want me to
If you give me a sign, I'll stay by your side and do everything I can to help
Anywhere, I would have followed you
I'm willing to go anywhere that you go, because I value our connection above all else
And I
Am feeling so small
It was over my head
I know nothing at all
I feel powerless and insignificant, and I realize that there's still so much about you that I don't understand
And I
Will stumble and fall
I'm still learning to love
Just starting to crawl
I'm learning how to love you in the best way I know how, but I know I'll make mistakes along the way
I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
I apologize for my shortcomings and not being able to reach you in the way I wanted to
And I
Will swallow my pride
You're the one that I love
And I'm saying goodbye
Even though it hurts, I'll put my pride aside and accept that our relationship is over
Say something
Please respond to me and let me know what you're thinking
I'll be the one if you want me to
I'm reminding you that I'm here for you if you want me to stay
Say something
Please communicate with me, even if it's difficult to do so
Say something
Don't stay silent - our relationship is important to me and I want to work through whatever difficulties we're facing
Anywhere, I would have followed you
I mean it - I'm willing to follow you to the ends of the earth to keep our relationship strong
Ahh, ooh...
A wordless expression of grief or sadness
Say something, I'm giving up on you
This is the main message of the song - I need you to talk to me so we don't lose what we have
Anywhere, I would have followed you
Whoa...
The repetition of this line underscores how committed I am to making our relationship work, even if it means going outside of my comfort zone
Oh whoa...
Another wordless expression of sadness or loss
Contributed by Aria W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@BarongoCalvine
Song one
Phindukhulume Moya oyiNgcwele
(Speak once again Holy Spirt)
Phindukhulume Nkosiyam
(Speak once again my Lord) x2
Ngobazonkizono ebendizenza
(Because all the sins I committed...)
Namhla zizobasebusweniBakho
(Today will be before Your face)
Phindukhulume Thixondimamele (Thetanami Nkosi)
(Speak once again God, I'm listening) (speak to me God)
Phindukhulume Nkosiyam
(Speak once again my Lord) x2
Song two
Ndiza, ndiza, ndiza, ndi-za, ndi-za (ndiza, ndiza ndiza, ndiza Moya, ndikuphathelitliziyo yam, uzuyenze msulwa yona)
I come, I come, I come, I come, I come (I come, I come, I come, I come Spirit. I bring you my heart, that you may make it pure)
The last one is another South African Language called "Sesotho", the first song is isiZulu, the second is "isiXhosa". Hopefully a seSotho speaking person can translate the last one for you brother.
@BarongoCalvine
Song one
Phindukhulume Moya oyiNgcwele
(Speak once again Holy Spirt)
Phindukhulume Nkosiyam
(Speak once again my Lord) x2
Ngobazonkizono ebendizenza
(Because all the sins I committed...)
Namhla zizobasebusweniBakho
(Today will be before Your face)
Phindukhulume Thixondimamele (Thetanami Nkosi)
(Speak once again God, I'm listening) (speak to me God)
Phindukhulume Nkosiyam
(Speak once again my Lord) x2
Song two
Ndiza, ndiza, ndiza, ndi-za, ndi-za (ndiza, ndiza ndiza, ndiza Moya, ndikuphathelitliziyo yam, uzuyenze msulwa yona)
I come, I come, I come, I come, I come (I come, I come, I come, I come Spirit. I bring you my heart, that you may make it pure)
@trumpetmano
Nice to see I'm not the only person obsessing over this choir...
@puletsotetsi3558
The guy who led the 'ndiza' part of the song is the reason why i'm always here and of'course the awkward dancing guy
@yadday5153
Me -the awkward dancer! Great guy!
@richardlogan1021
@Midwest Texas Yes. That young man is indeed blind, and I hear also a very gifted singer .
@richardlogan1021
Best choir in the world. And increasingly a rainbow one. Rest peacefully Madiba. Your legacy carries on.
@bonganidludla3437
Blessed are those whose voices praises the Lord
@dsansil
This is heavily emontional. Specially when I think about all the suffering african native people had to endure for centuries and still today. I'm in tears
@MrRsj84
Daniela dos Santos Silva Cultural appropriation doesn't heal any wounds!🖕😤
@dsansil
yes. I wasnt thinking about all these white people singing. That bothered me indeed. I was thinking about the song and the song only
@conwellchacheka6978
lovely