On 18 and 19 March, Schola Cantorum together with the Stellenbosch University Camerata, led by Suzanne Martens and conducted by Martin Berger, bring Choral Music back to to the Endler Hall.

Few events in recent history have shaken humanity like COVID19 did. Although the phenomenon is one of the 21st century, in music we find answers to the fundamental question behind such catastrophes: the question of meaning.

Setting Hölderlin’s poem to music, Johannes Brahms contrasts the world of paradise with the world on earth. In his Schicksalslied, the difference between the two spheres is destiny. While in heavenly paradise people live unaffected by destiny, able to dwell in eternal grounds, earthly live is always shattered by the unexpected, the tragic, and the irrational. Brahms final movement suggests that music can be the comfort in such situations – being the only medium between earthly life and a paradise to come.

In The unanswered question Charles Ives poses the ultimate question of meaning: why does suffering happen on earth?

With his mass, Antonin Dvorak gives a religious interpretation and summarizes the request for mercy, the praise of God and the confession of his faith in heavenly beautiful music.

Soloists for this concert include Elsabé Richter (soprano),Vasti Zeeman-Knoesen (alto), Jason Atherton (tenor), Keaton Manwaring (bass) with Mario Nell (organ).

This concert is generously supported by the Ohlthaver Trust.

Concerts on both Friday 18 March and Saturday 19 March start at 8pm in the Endler Hall, Stellenbosch. Please keep in mind that for all live events current restrictions allow for 100 audience members in the Endler Hall and all safety protocols outlined by the University will be strictly followed.

Tickets for R140 (regular) and R100 (pensioners, students, and scholars) are available now through Computicket and at the door one hour before the show. For more information contact Fiona Grayer at concerts@sun.ac.za or 021 808 2358.